Ethics and Nature

What does it mean to be ethical toward nature?

What: A Curious Soul Philosophy workshop

Where: Online via Zoom
When: 3 Saturdays, new dates TBA
What Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time

Workshop Description:

What sort of value does nature have? Does nature have an “interest” of its own? What role should nature play in our ethical deliberations about how we should act? In this philosophy workshop we will work through these questions as we delve into the field of “Environmental Ethics.”

Calendar:

Week One:
We’ll begin with a short overview of some influential ethical frameworks from which an environmental ethic might emerge. Then we’ll discuss an essay by Peter Singer, famous for jump-starting the animal advocacy movement. Singer’s essay will invite us to question whether or not animals have “interests” that should be considered when we deliberate about the effects that our actions have on others.

Week Two:
Next, we will discuss some selections by Arne Naess, founder of “Deep Ecology.” Naess’ writings will challenge our ingrained notions about the self and the value of nature, and they’ll make us question what we should do when the interests of different living beings’ conflict with one another.

Week Three:
Finally, we will discuss an essay by Karen Warren on “Ecofeminism.” Warren’s essay will introduce us to the ways in which the oppression of nature and the oppression of women are linked. She will also have us consider the ways in which ethical theories grow out of gendered contexts of experience, and so cannot claim universal “rightness.” And, finally, she will encourage us to imagine relations with nature that are caring rather than conquering.

About Philosophy Workshops

Philosophy Workshops emphasize discussion, life experience, and practical application. They are led by philosophy professors 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!

About Your Workshop Leader:

Monica Vilhauer, Ph.D. is a former professor of philosophy and the founder of Curious Soul Philosophy. She’s committed to the practical value of philosophy for everyday life, and she’s always looking for ways to move philosophy beyond academic settings and into the community. She does this by offering workshops, retreats, and individual philosophical counseling through Curious Soul.

The Theory and the Lab:
There are two portions of this discussion-based workshop: 1) the Theory, and 2) the Lab.

In the Theory portion of the workshop (the first half of each session) we’ll work to understand key concepts from our reading for the day and from supplementary mini-lectures given by the workshop leader. In the Lab portion of the workshop (the second half) we will reflect on the ways in which the theory applies to our own personal and political struggles. We will devise “experiments” for putting key concepts into practice in our lives, and we will discuss with each other how our experiments work out.

Preparation: 

For each meeting, participants should read in advance the selection of text we’ll be discussing, consider some questions Monica will send by email to help us focus, and come with some marked passages to talk about.

Cost per person: $200 (for three 2-hour philosophy sessions)

• The workshop has limited space. Register today to save yourself a spot!
• Deadline to register: TBA
• ​Register by clicking the button below and following instructions to use PayPal. If you do not have a PayPal account, PayPal still allows you to pay using a credit card.

Registration is now closed.