PHIL-1C Ethics

Course Overview

This course provides a general introduction to ethics, with a special focus on environmental ethics. We will begin by reviewing the major ethical theories in Western philosophy, and some of the challenges they face in providing ethical guidance on environmental challenges that have surfaced in the last 50 years. Then we will explore alternative approaches to ethics that expand the moral community beyond human beings to non-human life and even ecosystems. Along the way, we will discuss questions such as: 

• How should we understand the relationship between humans and the rest of the natural world? 

• Is growing and killing animals for food ethically justified? 

• What is sustainability, and what could it look like for humans to live in harmony with natural systems? 

• Are forms of domination in the social world (like racism and sexism) linked with humans' domination of nature? If so, what does this tell us about our social world, and about nature?

In this course we will take seriously philosophy's ancient heritage as the love and pursuit of wisdom. One cannot cultivate wisdom through academic study alone. As we learn theories and concepts, we will practice contemplative exercises that help support wise thinking, feeling, and acting. 

These skills are empowering and useful for all of life---not only for improving your academic success, but also for helping you connect better with yourself, other people, and the world.

Then we will embark on a multi-day backpacking expedition, continuing our study of environmental ethics surrounded by the magnificent beauty of the High Sierra. We will then return to our base camp lodge for reflection and integration, before finally leaving the mountains for Fresno. Learn more about the field trip

Fresno Pacific University (FPU) is a Christian Mennonite institution. While FPU respects and welcomes dialogue with all perspectives, they do encourage their students to reflect on humanity's relationship to nature through a Christian framework. Since we are joining FPU students and faculty for the wilderness experience in Yosemite, you will be exposed to a variety of religious ideas and practices. Your participation in these practices is not required. But I do ask that we respect the religious identity of FPU, just as we respect the religious identities of each other.

Accommodations

Backpacking involves significant physical stressors and can involve psychological stressors as well. Because of this, some disabilities could impact the safety of the individual, and therefore the whole group, while on trail. Some conditions might make the course prohibitive; others could be safely managed with additional guide services.

If you have a physical, mental, or other impairment that may prevent you from fully participating in the 13-day field trip and you need accommodations, please connect with the DSP&S office or connect with me as soon as possible (max.parish@fresnocitycollege.edu).

 The field trip portion of this class is made possible by generous support from
Fresno City College's Office of Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS),
and by collaboration with Fresno Pacific University's Wilderness Program.