After a brief historical introduction to the topic, main issues and interpretive positions found in contemporary environmental ethical discussions are introduced and explored. Different environmental ethical theories will be used to examine concrete environmental problems, including climate change, biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, deforestation, food waste and resource depletion. This course also includes a service learning element that will increase students’ awareness of practical means to address matters highlighted by various interpretive positions within environmental ethics.

This course aims at helping the student to investigate a specific ethical theme through a detailed study of a selected text; to arouse students’ interest in the important issues concerning social justice challenge; to engage in a close reading of a selected ethical topic/text so as to discover the major philosophical themes and insights contained therein; and to cultivate students’ ability in critically assessing various ethical viewpoints towards a controversial issue. By relating ethical theory to real-world problems, the course prepares students for engaged Global Citizenship. This is an advanced course; students without adequate background should consult the course instructor before enrolment.