Module Specifications
Academic Year 2026 - 2027
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Description This module is designed to provide students with the conceptual tools necessary for analysing philosophical issues related to the environment, through an examination of the core concepts, debates, and methodologies of environmental philosophy. Students will become familiar with various approaches to environmental ethics, including anthropocentrism, biocentrism, and ecocentrism. Additionally, they will learn about 'ecological justice' and 'intergenerational ethics', and applied issues such as geoengineering and population. The module will also enhance students' ability to apply philosophical frameworks to a variety of environment-related topics discussed in the academic literature. Issues to be explored include climate change and moral responsibility, biodiversity loss, the relationship between capitalism and ecological degradation, technological solutions, indigenous perspectives on land and nature and space ethics. Students will also examine the dynamics of contemporary environmental debates, considering the optimistic techno-solutionist visions and pessimistic collapse scenarios that are emerging. Finally, they will be encouraged to examine a specific environmental philosophy issue in depth in their final paper. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the major theoretical frameworks in environmental philosophy, including anthropocentrism, biocentrism, ecocentrism, and deep ecology. Identify and explain key concepts in environmental ethics such as intrinsic value, moral considerability, ecological justice, and intergenerational responsibility. Articulate the philosophical dimensions of contemporary environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. Critically evaluate competing philosophical arguments regarding human obligations toward the natural world and future generations. Apply philosophical frameworks to analyze real-world environmental dilemmas and policy debates. Synthesise diverse perspectives from Western philosophy, indigenous thought, and environmental science to develop nuanced positions on environmental issues. Construct well-reasoned philosophical arguments on environmental topics using appropriate evidence and theoretical support. Engage productively with interdisciplinary literature that bridges philosophy, ecology, politics, and ethics. Produce an original research paper that demonstrates independent critical thinking on a specific environmental philosophy issue. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Introduction to environmental philosophy: key questions and methods Anthropocentrism and instrumental value in environmental ethics Beyond Anthropocetnrism: the moral status of living beings and beyond Climate change: moral responsibility and justice Intergenerational ethics and obligations to future generations Indigenous environmental philosophies and relationality Capitalism, growth, and ecological limits Conservation ethics: biodiversity and wilderness Population, choices and power Geoengineering: technological intervention and moral hazard Space ethics: planetary protection and extraterrestrial environments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||