Environmental Ethics: right and wrong in the age of climate crisis

Key facts

  • Cost: £170
  • Credits: 10

Summary

The climate crisis raises many difficult questions concerning how we should live and behave. Should we be using low-cost airlines? How should we balance producing affordable food with environmental damage? Is it now immoral to have children? Should animals be granted the same rights as human beings? What kind of disruptive protest can be justified? 

Join this introductory course to find out more about environmental ethics, the branch of philosophy concerned with how our moral values and decisions impact the natural world. A course that helps us grapple with the difficult environmental moral dilemmas we face as humans and reflect on how we face these significant challenge together. 

Over a series of talks and selected readings, our expert tutor will explain: 

  • the key debates in environmental ethics  
  • how to engage with key texts and ideas 
  • how environmental ethics can be applied to ‘real world’ debates 

You will also have the chance to discuss and reflect on what you learn with other students and the tutor in seminars 

Choose this course if you want to learn: 

  • The basic philosophical problems and arguments concerning environmental ethics 
  • How to share your thinking in discussion and learn from others 

Who is this course for?

Anyone curious about finding deeper meaning in life and working out new ways to think, particularly those with an interest in environmentalism and ethics. 

Qualifications/credits

If taken for assessment, 10 credits 

Assessment

500 word / 5 mins  / 1 page-poster presentation or written commentary (25%). 

1,500 word essay (75%) 

Mode of study

This 10-week course will be delivered via 2-hour seminars led by a tutor.

Course materials will be provided online 

Prospects

  • Start or develop your journey as a philosopher 
  • Can begin your study of philosophy at university level  
  • contribute towards a Certificate or Diploma in Higher Education 
  • can inform your personal reading list and introduce you to some informative ideas to make sense of life 

Find out more

The University holds open days throughout the year where you can meet with staff to discuss our short course provision. Find out more about University of Glasgow open days

Available sessions

  • Date: 09/04/2025 - 11/06/2025
    Day: Wednesday
    Time: 18:30 - 20:30
  • Tutor: To be confirmed

    • Reference: Environmental Ethics: right and wrong in the age of climate crisis(14541)- Online live book now