ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS

ENVIRST 113

What do we really mean when we use the word, environment, in interdisciplinary Environmental Studies, and how important is it to have our environment be meaningful? Considers five popular understandings, while also offering a global perspective on environmental humanities. Introduction to key American texts (Carson, Kimmerer, Leopold, etc.) and key concepts (like sustainability and the Anthropocene), along with core skills from fields like philosophy, ethics, literature, fine arts, history, politics and anthropology. Cases in environmental experience and expression range from Wisconsin to Asia, and across biotic and abiotic environments. Through discussions and assignments, answer fundamental questions about science, nature, environmental problems and crisis, and how to relate to others in our world as human beings.

PHILOS 543

Intensive study of ethical theory, or of one or more ethical theories or moral philosophers of the present or modern period. Variable content.

PHILOS 941

Seminar on ethics.

ENVIRST 413

Understand the theory and practice the skills of effective, scientific, ethical, and legitimate preservation of nature (biodiversity, the atmosphere, water, etc.). Learn from global lessons in how to intervene against threats to nature, and the roles of ethics, law, and research in preserving nature. Gain mastery of terminology and usage so as to communicate professionally about nature preservation.

PHILOS 241

Nature of moral problems and of ethical theory, varieties of moral skepticism, practical ethics and the evaluation of social institutions.