PHIL2114 Sustainability, System and Agency

Later Year Course

Offered By	School of Philosophy
Academic Career	Undergraduate
Course Subject	Philosophy
Offered in	Second Semester, 2013
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	Corporate Sustainability, Philosophy, Philosophy, Environmental Studies, and Environmental Studies
Academic Contact	carleton.christensen@anu.edu.au

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