Ethics and Nature:
What Does it Mean to be Ethical Toward Nature?
Where: St. Honoré Boulangerie, 2335 NW Thurman, Portland
When: Mondays, February 8, 15, 22, 2016
What Time: 6:30-8:00 pm. (Come early to order treats!)
Description: What role should nature play in our ethical deliberations? What does it mean to behave ethically toward nature? What sort of value does nature have? Does nature have an "interest" of its own? In this philosophy workshop we will work through these questions as we delve into the field of "Environmental Ethics."
Philosophy Workshops emphasize discussion, life experience, and practical application. Philosophy Workshops are led by a philosophy professor committed to accessible language and open conversation. No prior philosophical training is necessary . . . just an open mind, a respectful approach to others, and a sense of humor!
Monday, February 8th
We'll begin with a short overview of some influential ethical frameworks in which an environmental ethic might fit. Then we'll discuss an essay by Peter Singer, famous for jump-starting the animal advocacy movement, which will invite us to question whether or not animals have "interests" and should be considered in our deliberations about the effects that our actions have on others.
Monday, February 15th
Next, we will discuss some selections by Arne Naess, founder of "Deep Ecology," which will challenge ingrained notions about the self, the value of nature, and make us question what we are to do when the interests of different living beings' conflict with one another.
Monday, February 22nd
Finally, we will discuss a selection by Karen Warren on "Ecofeminism" which introduces us to the twin oppressions of nature and women. Her work encourages us to consider the ways in which all theories (including ethical theories) grow out of contexts of experience (which are shaded by gender, among other things), and so cannot claim universal "rightness." Her work also encourages us to consider care-based (rather than conquering) relations with nature.
Preparation: For each meeting there will be an article that we discuss (10-15 pages), which we recommend you read before that meeting in order to get the most out of our conversations. The articles will be emailed to you after you register.
Cost: $100 (for three Monday-evening philosophy sessions, not including coffee and treats)
Register by clicking the button below and following instructions. Thanks!
When: Mondays, February 8, 15, 22, 2016
What Time: 6:30-8:00 pm. (Come early to order treats!)
Description: What role should nature play in our ethical deliberations? What does it mean to behave ethically toward nature? What sort of value does nature have? Does nature have an "interest" of its own? In this philosophy workshop we will work through these questions as we delve into the field of "Environmental Ethics."
Philosophy Workshops emphasize discussion, life experience, and practical application. Philosophy Workshops are led by a philosophy professor committed to accessible language and open conversation. No prior philosophical training is necessary . . . just an open mind, a respectful approach to others, and a sense of humor!
Monday, February 8th
We'll begin with a short overview of some influential ethical frameworks in which an environmental ethic might fit. Then we'll discuss an essay by Peter Singer, famous for jump-starting the animal advocacy movement, which will invite us to question whether or not animals have "interests" and should be considered in our deliberations about the effects that our actions have on others.
Monday, February 15th
Next, we will discuss some selections by Arne Naess, founder of "Deep Ecology," which will challenge ingrained notions about the self, the value of nature, and make us question what we are to do when the interests of different living beings' conflict with one another.
Monday, February 22nd
Finally, we will discuss a selection by Karen Warren on "Ecofeminism" which introduces us to the twin oppressions of nature and women. Her work encourages us to consider the ways in which all theories (including ethical theories) grow out of contexts of experience (which are shaded by gender, among other things), and so cannot claim universal "rightness." Her work also encourages us to consider care-based (rather than conquering) relations with nature.
Preparation: For each meeting there will be an article that we discuss (10-15 pages), which we recommend you read before that meeting in order to get the most out of our conversations. The articles will be emailed to you after you register.
Cost: $100 (for three Monday-evening philosophy sessions, not including coffee and treats)
- The workshop has limited space. Register today to save yourself a spot!
- In case of cancellation due to low enrollment, you will receive a full refund through PayPal.
Register by clicking the button below and following instructions. Thanks!