Philosophy of the Environment

Philosophy of the Environment
(ODST304/PHIL 310)

Our current environmental problems are due primarily to the total volume of human consumption. This course focuses on the problem of high consumptions in developed countries and possible solutions for it. Is this high consumption necessary for our happiness, or could we be just as happy while doing less damage to the natural world? If we could, as many environmentalists argue, why do so few of us live as though we truly believe that? Is it possible to consume less, either as individuals or as a society? What kinds of changes are feasible in society to reduce our damage to the natural world? The course offers a theory of happiness intended to make it possible to answer these questions. (One unit credit)