Schedule, syllabus and examination date

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

When you have completed this course, you are expected to

  • be able to demonstrate a thorough insight in problems of environmental philosophy, and also be able to discuss different views critically in writing as well as orally.
  • be able to demonstrate an overview of differences, similarities and connections between different views within environmental philosophy
  • demonstrate an overview of the changes in the philosophical way of perceiving nature, from Descartes and up until today
  • be able to give critical and independent assessments of the different views

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.

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

We recommend that you take FIL1003 and FIL1001 first, however it is not strictly necessary.

Overlapping courses

Teaching

10 double sessions with lectures and 4 double sessions with seminars. The course has the following mandatory activities:

  • Three one-page responses (max. 500 words) to three of the readings in the syllabus.?To?be submitted in Canvas
  • Oral group presentation (45 mins including Q&A and discussion, during the seminars)

Examination

A 4-hour school exam.

All compulsory tuition activities must be accepted as satisfactory in order for the student to qualify for the final exam.

Examination support material

No examination support material is allowed.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response either in English or in Norwegian.

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

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

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Nov. 6, 2025 3:24:51 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Bachelor
Credits
10
Teaching
Spring
Examination
Spring
Teaching language
English

Contact

Department of Philosophy, Classics, History of Art and Ideas