ESRM 250 - Environmental Ethics

Units: 3
Three hours lecture per week
This course introduces major environmental ethical themes, exploring how humanity’s relationship with the natural world has evolved over time. Through the lens of western and non-western ethical theories, students examine the impact of historical milestones such as the Enlightenment, Industrial Revolution, and modern technological advancements on our understanding of nature. Case studies highlight diverse cultural traditions, socio-ecological movements, and ethical orientations that shape environmental decision-making. Topics include the ethics of valuing life, ecological restoration, wilderness preservation, and climate change. Students will critique ethical systems, construct robust justifications for environmental management, and consider how cultural and ethical principles influence 21st-century environmental challenges.
Graded: Letter Grade