ANU - STUDYAT - Sustainability System & Agency

Offered By:

School of Humanities

Academic Career:

Undergraduate

Course Subject:

Philosophy

Offered in:

PHIL2114 will not be offered in 2010

Unit Value:

6 units

Course Description:

Is sustainability just a matter of radical efficiency? Of just being cleverer in the way we do what we have always done? Of mimicking nature? Or of living more frugally and communally? We first examine conventional solutions to problems of sustainability in order to identify how they conceive sustainability and how to achieve it. We then examine whether adequate solutions require one to integrate reflection on (and possible revision of) notions what it is to "live well". Finally, those conceptions of sustainable human existence which implicitly recognise the link between living sustainably and "living well," e.g., simple living movements, alternative communities, eco-feminism, etc., are examined.

Learning Outcomes:

impart an ability to see the holistic, "systems" character of problems of sustainability

impart an appreciation of the way technological and economic systems reflect ways of life about which political and ethical questions can be raised

impart an elementary ability to distinguish philosophical issues underlying the current debate about ecological sustainability

impart an elementary ability to identify the philosophical (ontological) assumptions inherent in the notion of technology and design

Indicative Assessment:

One 2,500 word essay or research assignment (40%) and one 1,500 word take-home exam (40%) and tutorial attendance (10%), tutorial participation (10%)

OR

One 4,000 word essay (80%) for those with a particular interest in a particular topic (and who get permission first) and tutorial attendance (10%), tutorial participation (10%)

Workload:

Two Hours of lectures per week
One Hour of Tutorial per week

Areas of Interest:

Environmental Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies - Sustainability, and Philosophy

Requisite Statement:

12 units of first year Philosophy or with permission of the convenor.

Majors/Specialisations:

Philosophy, Human Sciences, and Corporate Sustainability

Academic Contact:

carleton.christensen@anu.edu.au

Sustainability, System and Agency PHIL2114 - Details