MX0130, Environmental and animal ethics, 7.5 Hp
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Syllabus

Level

First cycle (G1N)

Main field of study

Environmental Science, Animal Science

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The course intends to give the participants an overview of questions in environmental and animal ethics with special focus on their relevance in agriculture and forestry. On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Account for central problems in environment and animal ethics
• Describe central concepts and theories in the environmental ethics and animal ethics
• Reflect on and analyse the strengths, weaknesses and problems of these concepts and theories
• Discuss environmental and animal ethics problems in particular in relation to agriculture and forestry
• Formulate one’s own position on a problem in environmental or animal ethics and argue for said position

Content

• During the course, questions are discussed against the background of different ethical outlooks and in the context of SLU’s area of activity This context is clarified by means of guest lectures or study visits. In the course, the ability to conduct critical discussion is also trained, for example through seminars and written exercises.

• Environment and animal ethics concern questions about how humans should relate to nature and animals. This course covers central concepts for the discussion about human stewardship and sustainable use of biological natural resources. Examples of such questions are: Do nature or ecosystems have intrinsic value? Do animals have rights, and if so, how can they be interpreted? Is it ethically acceptable to raise animals for meat production? Can giving up great environmental value for economic gain be justified? Is it morally right to patent crops in developing countries? Do we have duties to future generations? A perspective from the history of ideas on the environmental and animal ethics debate is also introduced.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Passed written examination, passed active participation in seminars with completed preparatory assignments. Compulsory components: Seminars including written preparatory assignments.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Crop Production Ecology

Cooperating departments

Department of Animal Environment and Health

Supplementary information

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	7.5	0301