Philosophy
Current Students: Undergraduates
Core modules and Options at Level 10
PHI9MA - Philosophy, Human Beings, and Nature
Our understanding of the relationship that exists between human beings and (the rest of) nature is currently being transformed by
- increasing worries about our treatment of the natural environment, and
- the combination of Darwinism and modern genetics, as applied to humankind.
Reflecting this intellectual ferment, the present module engages with a range of contemporary debates in environmental philosophy and in philosophy of biology, debates which often have wider social and political implications.
The first half of the module tackles core questions in environmental philosophy, such as ‘What kind of value should be attributed to the natural environment?’ and ‘What kinds of entities have independent moral status (i.e., are morally considerable in their own right)?’.
The second half tackles key questions in the philosophy of biology, with the ultimate aim of addressing controversial issues that affect our picture of the place of humankind in nature, issues such as the implications of the human genome project and the clash between Darwinism and religion. Any scientific material will be presented within the module in a manner which is fully accessible to students who have an arts background.
Outcomes
- To develop an understanding of a range of different approaches to environmental philosophy, and the ability to critically assess those approaches;
- To develop a grasp of the conceptual issues that surround certain key biological terms and ideas;
- To develop a critical understanding of a number of different philosophical positions on the relationship between biological science and human life;
- To develop an ability to critically discuss a number of important texts in environmental philosophy and philosophy of biology.
By means of this specific programme, the module further aims to improve critical reading, critical thinking and oral communication skills. (Refer to Section B of the Undergraduate Edition of the Philosophy Departmental Handbook for more details.)
Reading
Required Texts
| J. Benson | Environmental Ethics: an Introduction with Readings | Routledge, 2000 |
Plust, at least one of:
| D. L. Hull and M. Ruse (eds.) | The Philosophy of Biology | OUP, 1998 |
| K. Sterelny and P.E. Griffiths | Sex and Death: an Introduction to the Philosophy of Biology | University of Chicago Press 1999 |
Availability: |
Honours (semester 6 or 8) |
|---|---|
Prerequisite: |
PHI9CA or PHI9CB |
Assessment: |
Coursework: 50 percent (one essay of around 2500 words); Final examination 50 percent(three hours, three questions) Students may write a second coursework essay. This is strictly optional. However, if the grade given to a second essay is higher thatn the grade fiven to the first, it will be the grade for the second essay that counts for assessment purposes. |
Teaching Pattern: |
Two lectures and a one hour seminar each week |
Regulations: |
For the purposes of the University's attendance regulation 14, seminars and lectures are prescribed classes. The rationale for prescribing these classes may be found in the Philosophy Student Handbook, section F. This section also contains regulations relating to the submission of essays, and other matters. |
Module Co-ordinator : |
Mike Wheeler |
Please contact Michael Wheeler if you would like to know more about this module. (Room A78)