Course code PHI201

PHI201 Bioscience, Ethics and Environmental Philosophy

Norsk emneinformasjon

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Showing course contents for the educational year 2014 - 2015 .

Course responsible: Frode Kjosavik
Teachers: Frode Kjosavik, Terje Bent Kvilhaug
ECTS credits: 5
Faculty: School of Economics and Business
Teaching language: NO
(NO=norsk, EN=Engelsk)
Limits of class size:
-
Teaching exam periods:
This course starts in Autumn parallel. This course has teaching/evaluation in Autumn parallel, .
Course frequency: Annually
First time: Study year 2005-2006
Preferential right:
-
Course contents:
Connection between view of man and view of nature. Future generations. Moral status for other life forms than humans. To what extent are humans entitled to exploit other organisms? Experiments with animals will be discussed on the basis of welfare and rights. Understanding of technology, including biotechnology, i.e., genetic modification. Views of nature with anthropocentrism and biocentrism as two extremes. Ethical relevant distinction between man-made and natural environments? Which parts of nature do we wish to preserve/conserve, and what is the justification for this? Cost-benefit analysis and environmental goods. Social justice and the ecologically good society (ecotopia)? Climate research and the politics of science. In what sense can we speak of equilibrium in nature? Is there a difference between man-made and natural disturbance? Do disturbances increase or decrease biodiversity? Is there a connection between complexity and stability in ecosystems? What are the implications of chaos theory for conservation biology?
Learning outcome:
The aim of the course is to train the student to analyse and reflect critically on issues concerning animal and environmental ethics, and to put these into a wider scientific and philosophical context.
Learning activities:
Lectures and seminars.
Teaching support:
-
Syllabus:
Compendium.
Prerequisites:
Examen Philosophicum or equivalent.
Recommended prerequisites:
Mandatory activity:
-
Assessment:
Written examination, 3 hours.
Nominal workload:
5 credits.
Entrance requirements:
Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse)
Reduction of credits:
-
Type of course:
Two hours weekly: 2/3 lectures, 1/3 seminars.
Note:
-
Examiner:
An external examiner will assess the examinations.
Allowed examination aids: No calculator, no other aids
Examination details: One written exam: A - E / Ikke bestått