Course detail: PHIL079
ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
Do you wonder if Americans consume too much? Do we really have to change our lifestyles radically if we're to combat global warming effectively? Do you wonder who stands to lose the most by global warming? Then take this class! We will consider issues related to consumption. For example: can we buy our way to a better world if we buy green? Can technology like wind power save us? We will also consider issues related to global justice and climate change. Poor people are the least responsible for the pollution that led to climate change. Yet they will suffer the most from its effects. Is that fair? If not, what should be done about it? In light of the Copenhagen Conference on global warming, we'll consider policy solutions. We'll ask questions like: what is the fair global eocnomic agreement among developed and developing nations? To what extent, if at all, is damage to the US economy grounds for not accepting ambitious targets for the reduction of pollution emissions? In this class, you'll learn to take the ethical perspective on what is often treated as an exclusively economic, scientific, or political issue. You'll leave the class better equipped to talk about your views to other people. Requirements for the class include: debates, short papers and presentations. Previous experience in philosophy courses is not required.