Environmental Ethics

Course Description

This course is an introduction to environmental ethics. The overriding question in environmental ethics is whether or not we have any moral obligation to the environment, and if so, to what extent? Does nature have value in itself, or do humans place value on nature? How can we decide what kinds of behaviours are right or wrong towards nature? In answering these questions, we will examine various moral theories that relate to nature, and examine how well they can be applied to environmental issues. We will also examine specific topics to see in what ways they are, in fact, moral issues and not just about physical facts. Topics will include animal rights, non-Western views on nature, the ethics of food, obligations to future generations, and environmental justice.This course is also offered online.