Issues in Environmental Philosophy (375-0-20)

Instructors

Eskil Juul Elling

Meeting Info

Annenberg Hall G31: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This course will explore how we should understand the relationship between human beings and their natural environment. Our focus will be on conceptions of nature originating in Europe, but along the way we will challenge those conceptions in light of others, especially from Indigenous thought. Our survey will be rooted in philosophical understandings of nature but draw on resources in biology, sociology, political science, and history. We will start by considering two opposed models of nature as it has been understood in Western philosophy: rationalism and romanticism. We will contrast this with a look at the stress on care for nature in Indigenous kinship ethics. Then, we will explore various themes that latch on to these three models: the impact of humanity on nature and the idea of the Anthropocene; visions of nature beyond human control, such as deep ecology; and a variety of ideas for how to remedy our relationship with nature.
Thinkers read include Isaac Newton, Karoline von Günderrode, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Henri Bergson, Henry David Thoreau, Arne Næss, Jane Bennett, and Robin Wall Kimmerer.

Learning Objectives

1. To read closely and interpret charitably classic texts of environmental philosophy
2. To critically engage with and ask questions about the views propounded in those texts
3. To write clearly and concisely about classic philosophical texts
4. To develop sensitivity to how philosophical thinking is shaped by the context in which it occurs, and to consider your own views in light of the difference between that context and ours

Class Materials (Required)

All class materials will be available on Canvas at NO cost to the student.

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression
Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Ethics & Values Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: REASON: Pre-registration is not allowed for this class. Please try again during regular registration.