PHI201 Bioscience, Ethics and Environmental Philosophy

The connection between our self-image and our view of nature. Our responsibility for future generations. The moral status of other life forms. To what extent are humans entitled to exploit animals? Animal welfare and animal rights approaches. Understanding technology and technological developments, including biotechnology. Views of nature, with narrow anthropocentrism and deep ecology as two extremes. The roots of environmental problems and various concepts of sustainability. What is an "ecologically good" society? Climate research and the politics of science. Climate justice.

The student is to: Gain knowledge of the status of processes in nature and value issues pertaining to humans' relation to animals and to the environment; develop skills for analysis and critical reflection on problems within animal and environmental ethics; build a general ethical competence for dealing with issues concerning the social significance of nature management.