FIL4315 ¨C Climate Change and Energy Transition: Philosophical Issues

Course content

In a global context where climate change has become a reality, there is a growing interest of individuals, states and businesses to become more "sustainable" and transit to "renewable energies" embedded in "circular economies" now that we live in the "Anthropocene". But what does this all mean and imply? And what are the assumptions upon which these discourses are based?

In this course, we tackle these questions head-on, by focusing on the main epistemological, ethical, and political challenges that arise because of climate change and the need for an energy transition in our economy.

In the autumn semester 2023, we first explore concepts like risk and uncertainty, knowledge resistance, the precautionary principle, and cost-benefit analysis in response to climate change. Then we turn to different approaches to justice and how they are reflected in responses to climate change and the energy transition. We ask how we should understand concepts like sustainability and democracy and how we should understand the distribution of moral duties between individuals and collectives, the principles that should determine those duties, and the challenges when deciding how to act and respond to climate change - for example, through mitigation and adaptation measures.

Learning outcome

Taking this course will enable you to:

• Identify and assess, from epistemological, ethical, and political perspectives, the main issues and challenges connected to climate change and the energy transition.
• Be familiar with philosophical analysis as a tool to critically assess different approaches and policies for a "greener" economy and society.
• Have knowledge of, and critically relate to, the latest research contributions within the topic of the course.
• Discuss the problems addressed in the course in a critical and professional manner, both orally and in writing.
• Write an essay with a clear and self-developed argumentative structure, and demonstrate an updated acquaintance with the field.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester?register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.

Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures.

Overlapping courses

• 5 credits overlap with FIL4316 ¨C Climate change and energy transition: philosophical issues.

Teaching

12 double sessions which will be a combination of seminars and lectures.

The course has the following compulsory activities:

• A one page synopsis about what you are thinking about writing in your term paper (to be discussed and approved by the teachers).
• A short group presentation (this will be one session) about ethical issues regarding a specific energy transition technology. There may be a specific number of ethical challenges you must identify and discuss, such as three ethical issues per technology. More information will be given in Canvas.
• Weekly participation on Canvas: You have to post questions regarding the compulsory text for the week before the session, or there will be small exercises you will have to undertake, such as posting objections to arguments in text. You must complete these Canvas activities a minimum of 7 out of 10 times (there will be no such posting required for the first and the last session).

This is?how you apply for a valid absence from / postponement of compulsory activities.?

The activities are only valid?the semester they are completed.

Examination

A term paper of 10-12 pages of approximately 2300 characters. You submit your term paper in Inspera.

In order to be able to submit the exam, all compulsory activities must be completed and approved by the teacher.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English?

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F?is a fail. Read more about?the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.