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
  • 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.

This course in part of the Sustainability Certificate.

We strongly recommend that you take FIL1003 – Innf?ring i etikk first.

Overlapping courses

Teaching

12 double sessions of combined lectures and seminars. The teaching takes place together with students from FIL2390 – Environmental Philosophy. You may consult the teacher regarding which lectures/seminars are most relevant for you who take the course for 5 credits. If you wish, you may of course also follow the whole seminar.

Examination

A term paper of 5-6 pages (one page should contain approximately 2300 characters), literature list not included. You submit your exam 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

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

Last updated from FS (Common Student System) Dec. 25, 2024 7:26:55 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Bachelor
Credits
5
Teaching
Spring
Examination
Spring
Teaching language
Norwegian