PHL 273(X) - Environmental Ethics, 3 credit hours

An exploration of the ethical issues associated with the impact of human activity on the environment, eco-systems, and biodiversity. Course addresses broad questions such as: how should we conceive our relationship to the natural environment? Does sustainability demand a new biocentric ethic? Do non-humans (e.g. other animals, natural objects) have rights? What responsibilities do we have to future generations? Students will also explore some specific issues (e.g. energy, food production), their personal obligation to sustainable living, and the local context.