FIL4393 – Environmental Philosophy
Course description
Course content
The course explores key philosophical issues regarding the moral status of nature (individuals, species, ecosystems) and whether this status differs substantially from the status of humans. No less fundamental than the ethical issue is the ontological one regarding what nature is. This cannot be discussed independently of how a given culture understands (construes) nature, be it as spirited, sacred, inherently valuable or as soulless material, a reservoar of resources solely of instrumental value. Do humans see themselves as a part of nature or as apart from nature? Particular emphasis will be given to the significance of technology in shaping, both philosophically and pragmatically, society`s relationship with nature.
Learning outcome
Taking this course will enable the student to
- attain insight into the views of nature characteristic of Western culture; into the issue of the moral status of nature as a whole, of species and of individual exemplars; into the contrast - and debate - between anthropological and non-anthropological theories, especially deep ecology
- identify and assess the philosophical strengths and weaknesses of some of the major positions in contemporary environmental ethics.
- demonstrate an overview of the changes in the philosophical way of perceiving nature, from Descartes and up till today.
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.
Recommended previous knowledge
FIL1003 – Innf?ring i etikk?and FIL1001 – Innf?ring i metafysikk og bevissthetsfilosofi
Overlapping courses
- 5 credits overlap with FIL4390 – Environmental Philosophy.
- 5 credits overlap with FIL2393 – Environmental Philosophy.
Teaching
You will be offered 14 double sessions which will be a combination of seminars and lectures.
Examination
A term paper of approximately 5 pages/1900 words, excluding bibliography. The topic must be approved by the teacher. You submit your essay in Inspera.
Language of examination
You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or 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.