ER05: Ecology and Ethics
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Description:
Ecology and Ethics
Ecology and Ethics
ER05
NFQ Level:
9
ECTS Credits:
7.5
Dr. Cathriona Russell
This Module will introduce students to the key positions (anthropo-centrism,
eco-centrism, theo-centrism), concepts (sustainability, stewardship,
development, animal ethics) and policy issues (on population, biodiversity,
climate change, food biotechnology) in environmental ethics and their
theological and ethical evaluation. Students will be expected to develop their
research and presentation skills through participation in tutorials, the delivery
of a student seminar and one written assignment.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to
MO1 characterise and critique contrasting approaches in environmental ethics and theology
MO2 employ descriptive and analytical skills in undertaking research in order to identify what is morally
relevant to an environmental issue
MO3 integrate and evaluate empirical evidence from ethical and theological perspectives
MO4 give working definitions of key concepts in environmental theology: sustainability
stewardship, anthropocentrism, ecocentrism, theocentrism
MO5 outline and evaluate key themes in environmental ethics: population, biodiversity, animal ethics
and development.
Pre-requisite Learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not
enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section
None
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not
enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section
None
Indicative Context
Introduction to key positions and starting points in environmental ethics;
theological responses to the environmental ‘crisis’; case history: Spotted Owl in the Pacific North West;
method and concepts in theological ethics (e.g. the Common Good and Subsidiarity); case study: The
Tragedy of the Commons versus Population, Food and Freedom; key themes in environmental ethics
(sustainability, stewardship, biodiversity, climate change); key policy issues (autonomy, food
ER05: Ecology and Ethics
biotechnology, intellectual property rights and animal ethics); and theology as a critical resource in
environmental ethics
Assessment Breakdown
Essay
%
60%
Linked to Module Outcome: MO1, MO2, MO4
Case Studies / Student Seminar
Linked to Module Outcome: MO3, MO5
Coursework Breakdown
Type
Description
Workload
Type
Lecture
Independent Learning
Library
Assignment
40%
Outcome
addressed
% of
Total
Assessment Date
Full-Time Hours per semester
Description
Lecturing input
Self-directed reading and revision
Self and tutor-directed reading of course material
Researching, structuring information, writing up
Hours
Total Workload
Resources
Essential Book Resources
Berry, R.J. Environmental Stewardship, New York: T&T Clark, 2006.
Edwards, Denis, Jesus the Wisdom of God: An ecological theology, New York: Orbis, 1995.
Hardin G. The tragedy of the commons. Science 1968;162:1243–1248
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/reprint/162/3859/1243.pdf
Harrison P. Subduing the Earth: Genesis 1, early modern science, and the exploitation of nature. Journal
of Religion 1999; 79:86–109.
Keller, David (ed) Environmental Ethics, Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010.
Lund V, Olsson AS. Animal Agriculture: Symbiosis, Culture or Ethical Conflict? Journal of Agricultural and
Environmental Ethics, 2006. 19:47–56.
Pannenberg W. Problems between science and theology in the course of their modern history. Zygon
2006. 41(1):105–112.
Peterson A. In and of the world? Christian theological anthropology and environmental ethics. Journal of
Agricultural and Environmental Ethics 2000:12:237–261.
Rasmussen, Larry L. Earth Community, Earth Ethics, New York: Orbis, 1997.
Sen A. Why we should preserve the spotted owl. London Review of Books, 2004.
ER05: Ecology and Ethics
http://www.lrb.co.uk/v26/n03/sen_01_.html
Development as Freedom. Oxford: University Press, 1999. pp 204–226.
Warner KD. Are Life Patents Ethical? Conflicts between Catholic Social Teaching and Agricultural
Biotechnology's Patent Regime. Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics 2001; 14:301–319.
White L. The Historical Roots of Our Ecologic Crisis. In: Gottlieb RS, editor. The Sacred Earth: religion,
nature and environment. London: Routledge, 1996:184–193 or Science March 1967 or
http://www.zbi.ee/~kalevi/lwhite.htm
Essential Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
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ER05: Ecology and Ethics