Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | AS.271.401

Environmental Ethics

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.8)

Environmental Ethics is a philosophical discipline that examines the moral relationship between humans and the natural environment. For individuals and societies, it can help structure our experience of nature, environmental problems, human-environmental relations, and ecological awareness. Beginning with a comprehensive analysis of their own values, students will explore complex ethical questions, philosophical paradigms and real-life case studies through readings, films and seminar discussions. Traditional ethical theories, including consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics will be examined and applied. Environmental moral worldviews, ranging from anthropocentric to ecocentric perspectives, will be critically evaluated. Organized debates will help students strengthen their ability to deconstruct and assess ethical arguments and to communicate viewpoints rooted in ethical principles. Students will apply ethical reasoning skills to an examination of contemporary environmental issues including, among others, biodiversity conservation, environmental justice, climate change, and overpopulation. Students will also develop, defend and apply their own personal environmental ethical framework. A basic understanding of modern environmental history and contemporary environmental issues is required. Prior experience with philosophy and ethics is not required.

Spring 2014

(5.0)

Spring 2015

(4.6)

Spring 2014

Professor: Alexios Monopolis

(5.0)

There are many highlights cited by students from this course. A few include classes held outside or as hikes when possible, the small class size, an engaged and dynamic instructor, and discussions that forced intellectual and ethical self-questioning. Most students found no fault with the course, though a few thought having so few graded assignments made it difficult to gauge success. Some suggestions for improvements included more readings prior to discussions, meeting more often, and creating a 300 level course to follow this course. This course is highly recommended to all students, regardless of earth science background. Prospective students should know that many students thought this was by far the best course they had taken.

Spring 2015

Professor: Alexios Monopolis

(4.6)

Students enjoyed the thought provoking questions that made them look at ethical issues through different perspectives. Students felt debates were repetitive and there was little feedback on student progress. Suggestions for improvement included scheduling the course to meet more than once per week, having a formal syllabus, and making time for peer reviews and student-teacher meetings. Prospective students should know this course does not require a background in Environmental Science. This course will improve students’ public speaking and debate skills.