Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Historical & Philosophical Inq
An introduction to ethical issues raised by relationships between humans and their environment. Topics include the value of wilderness and biodiversity, animal rights, obligations to future humans and nonhumans, the ethics of species extinction and the limits to growth.
The course providesﾠstudents with the tools to identify and assess the major philosophical and ethicalﾠissues raised by the relationship between humans and their environment. Consideration will be given to the historical sources and the contemporary character of various arguments concerning the environment. Students will develop competence in applying moral theory, relevant moral distinctions, and relevant evaluative frameworks to environmental problems.ﾠThe subject will cover a wide range of issues in this area, focusing on such topics as the value of wilderness and biodiversity, obligations to future humans and nonhumans, economic analsyis of the environment and its ethical limitations, philosophical understandings ofﾠconcepts such as naturalness, stewardship and sustainability,ﾠthe value of species versus animal welfare arguments, the preference of native to feral animals, andﾠhow the tragedy of the commons concept is relevant to any ethical response toﾠenvironmental problems such as climate change.
Course requirements
Assumed background
University degree required. Experience with basic techniques of philosophical analysis and argument may be of assistance. Familiarity with environmental issues from other disciplines, though not required, may provide useful background.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PD765, PHIL2210
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- Another instance of the same course
This course is taught in-person and as an external offering. Students in the external offering will be able to listen to a recording of the live lecture and participate in a combined online tutorial with students enrolled in the in-person mode.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
ﾠ
ﾠ
ﾠ
ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
- an appreciation of ethical, social and political issues raised by human relationships to the environment
- an understanding of how ethical and political theory can help frame arguments relating to environmental obligations or policies
- enriched social, political, and ethical understanding of environmental imperatives
- an appreciation of diverse disciplinary perspectives in dealing with environmental problems
- enhanced precision and clarity in communication skills
- the capacity to evaluate complex ethical dilemmas,
- the capacity to think critically, systemically and carefully in analysing complex problems, and
- improved capacity to develop depth and reasoning in arguments relating to environmental imperatives.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
appreciate ethical, social and political issues raised by human relationships to the environment
LO2.
understand how ethical and political theory can help frame arguments relating to environmental obligations
LO3.
understand how ethical and political theory can help frame arguments relating to environmental obligations or policies.
LO4.
appreciate the diverse disciplinary perspectives which deal with environmental problems
LO5.
better and more precisely analyse and articulate problems
LO6.
better analyse and evaluate complex ethical dilemmas
LO7.
think critically, systemically and carefully in analysing complex problems
LO8.
improved capacity to develop depth and reasoning in arguments relating to environmental imperatives.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique, Quiz |
In-semester Exam Take-Home
|
35% |
Week 7, Thu 4:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique | Philosophical Essay | 35% |
- 3/10/2024
Submit electronically to Turnitin by 4pm, Thursday, 3rd October |
| Essay/ Critique, Quiz |
Take Home Final Exam with Online Multiple Choice
|
30% |
To be completed and submitted during final exam block. |
Assessment details
In-semester Exam Take-Home
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Quiz
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
Week 7, Thu 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Your exam responses will be assessed according to the following criteria:
Quiz (Multiple–Choice/One-Word Answer Questions):
1. Ability to produce a succinct response to a directed question.
2. Knowledge of key themes, ideas or content.
3. Ability to employ relevant terminology.
4. Ability to write in clear English (where applicable).
Unlike formative assessment undertaken during your course (such as book reviews and essays), quiz answers are typically marked on right or wrong basis for multiple choice, single word and short answer questions. The overall grade achieved for a quiz is arrived at by totalling the marks for its constituent elements.
Short Answer/Essay.
1. ability to produce a succinct response to a directed question,
2. Knowledge of key themes or ideas,
3. ability to employ relevant terminology, as required,
4. clear and concise written expression, well presented,
5. ability to recognise key issues in the question,
6. ability to structure an argument, if required,
7. use of evidence, if required,
8. engagement with academic scholarship and/or debates.
Submission guidelines
Submission to turnitin
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.
Philosophical Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
- 3/10/2024
Submit electronically to Turnitin by 4pm, Thursday, 3rd October
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Approximately 1,800 word philosophy essay. (2000 words is the maximum acceptable, including in text quotations, but excluding bibliograpy and references)
Requirements for Submission of Essays:
1. You must submit an electronic copy only through Turnitin under 'Assessment' on Blackboard. Check your paper has submitted properly, you should receive a confirmation.
2. The actual wording of the question should not be typed on your assignment.
3. Check, via your wordprocessor program the word count of your paper to ensure it is within the required word limit (in text quotations count towards the word limit, bibliographies and references do not). Include the word count on your paper.
Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with School policy regarding academic advice, assessment, plagiarism, etc. Students are encouraged to read the UQ Student Integrity and Misconduct policy (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct. PLAGIARISM is an academic offence and will be penalized.
Your essay will be assessed according to the following criteria:
1. Ability to define the topic or philosophical issue under debate. (Topic definition.)
2. Ability to construct a well-reasoned argument for a certain point of view. (Argument and Structure.)
3. Depth and breadth of understanding of the various positions in a philosophical debate. (Scope and Depth of Treatment)
4. Insight and/or originality in interpreting texts or constructing a point of view or argument. (Originality)
5. Capacity to produce a polished, well-written and appropriately referenced essay. (Presentation)
To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your essay should reflect an exceptional level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken extensive, high-level research, that you are able to form a very rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is original and creative. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate and organise data and/or evidence in a critical manner and that you have a sophisticated and insightful understanding of problems and issues. Your essay will be very well written, clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 85-100%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75-84%), your essay should reflect an advanced level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken wide research, that you are able to form a rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is coherent and convincing. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a perceptive manner, and that your understanding of problems and issues is perceptive and insightful. Your essay will be well written, clear and concise, follow discipline conventions and have few errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 75-84%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%) your essay should reflect a proficient level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken the expected level of research, that you are able to develop or adapt convincing arguments and justify them adequately, that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a proficient manner, and that you have a good understanding of problems and issues. The presentation and referencing of your essay will largely follow discipline conventions, perhaps have some errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 65-74%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%) your essay should reflect functional achievement. It should demonstrate that you are able to apply fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research and have the basic ability to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, to offer insights and to develop routine arguments. Your organisation, writing, referencing, spelling and grammar will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 50-64%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%), your essay should reflect developing levels of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have a superficial knowledge of fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research, made some attempt to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, and to offer insights. Your arguments, while underdeveloped, show your emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills. Your organisation, writing, spelling and grammar will be adequate, perhaps poor, and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 45-49%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%) your essay will reflect deficiencies in skill acquisition and in your understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. It will demonstrate that you have not undertaken adequate research, that you are unable to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, or to offer insights adequately. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 25-44%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria
To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your essay will reflect minimal evidence of achievement, and exhibit deficiencies in skill acquisition and in your understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. It will demonstrate that you have not undertaken adequate research, that you are unable to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, and/or to offer insights adequately. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 1-24%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
Grade X: No assessable work received.
Submission guidelines
Submission to turnitin
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Take Home Final Exam with Online Multiple Choice
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Quiz
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
To be completed and submitted during final exam block.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Your exam responses will be assessed according to the following criteria:
Quiz (Multiple–Choice/One-Word Answer Questions):
1. Ability to produce a succinct response to a directed question.
2. Knowledge of key themes, ideas or content.
3. Ability to employ relevant terminology.
4. Ability to write in clear English (where applicable).
Unlike formative assessment undertaken during your course (such as book reviews and essays), quiz answers are typically marked on right or wrong basis for multiple choice, single word and short answer questions. The overall grade achieved for a quiz is arrived at by totalling the marks for its constituent elements.
Short Answer/Essay.
1. ability to produce a succinct response to a directed question,
2. Knowledge of key themes or ideas,
3. ability to employ relevant terminology, as required,
4. clear and concise written expression, well presented,
5. ability to recognise key issues in the question,
6. ability to structure an argument, if required,
7. use of evidence, if required,
8. engagement with academic scholarship and/or debates.
Submission guidelines
Turnitin submission
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade X: No assessable work received.� � Grade 1, Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course: � Grade 1, Low Fail (0-24%), is generally awarded in cases where some assessment has been submitted, but it is of wholly unsatisfactory standard or quantity. In work submitted, however, there is no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts of the field of study or basic requirements of the course. � |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 2, Fail: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline: � Grade 2, Fail (25-44%), is generally awarded to work that exhibits deficiencies in understanding and applying the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study, and as such, does not satisfy the basic requirements of the course. Often, one or more major items of assessment will not have been completed. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Grade 3, Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideas with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline: � Grade 3, Marginal Fail (45-49%), is generally awarded if a student has submitted work that attempts to meet the knowledge and skill requirements of the course, but is only able to demonstrate a superficial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. Students will usually have attempted all major pieces of assessment and show that they have an identifiable, emerging ability to apply basic knowledge and skills. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 4, Pass: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline: � Grade 4, Pass (50-64%), is generally awarded where all major items of assessment have been submitted. An adequate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study should be demonstrated and a functional skill level achieved. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 5, Credit: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline: � Grade 5, Credit (65-74%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and a substantial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study have been demonstrated.� 74-65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 6, As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience: Grade 6, Distinction (75-84%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and substantial knowledge of the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been demonstrated.� |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 7, High Distinction: As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications:� � Grade 7, High Distinction (85-100%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and there is evidence that the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been mastered. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Failure to submit all major assessment items (those worth 15% and above) will result in a maximum grade of 2 (Fail).
- By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration: ‘I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment’.
- All students must ensure that they receive their Turnitin receipt on every submission of assessment items. YOU MUST CHECK THAT THE RECEIPT CONFIRMS THAT SUBMISSION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL.
- A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing.
- Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after ten calendar days, will receive zero.
- In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible so that they can confirm the outage with ITS.
- It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are submitting assessment items on a device that is capable of the task, and that appropriate internet bandwidth and speed is available.
- If you cannot be sure that your device or internet will enable you to complete or submit an assessment task, you must come onto campus and use one of the University Computers in the Library or Computer Labs.
- Plagiarism, and asking or paying someone else to do your work is cheating and constitutes academic misconduct. See ECP Section 6.1
- NOTE: Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. please see task speciic conditions for the use of generative AI in this course.
- Feedback against the assessment criteria in the form of comments on your script will be provided through Turnitin or on your script directly.
- For information on assessment remarks see: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
UQ Library Philosophy Subject Guide
UQ Library "How To" Guides
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Week One: Introduction Introduction to ethical theory and environmental ethics, Facts/Values, Intrinsic/Instrumental Value, Anthropocentrism, Relationship of Conservation and Ethics Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 2: Ethical Frameworks in environmental debates Ethical Frameworks which figure centrally in environmental debates: Utilitarianism, Deontology, Liberalism, Rights, Social Contract; Virtue Ethics, Ethics of Care, Relational Ethics Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 3: Liberalism and Indigenous Perspectives Indigenous Perspectives and the Indigenous Critique of Liberalism Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 4: Game Theory, Public Goods, and the Prisoner's Dilemma Introduction to Public Goods and Prisoner's Dilemma Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 5: Environmental Problems, Collective Action and Morality Collective Action applied in common environmental management problems; Tragedies of the Commons, How public goods dilemmas connect to political theory and moral obligations Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 6: Property Rights Review for First Assessment, Introduction to Property Rights Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 7: Property Rights, Environmental Preservation and Just Compensation Obligations to future generations, environmental justice, or the Just Distribution of environmental harms and benefits, Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 8: Assessing Values in an Economy Assessing values in an economy and the limits of cost/benefit analysis Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 9: Species Biodiversity Species biodiversity. Why Do Species matter? What things have moral consideration in their own right? Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 10:Animal Rights and Conservation Animal rights and conservation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 11: Animal Rights and Conservation Cont. Animal Rights and Conservation Cont. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 12: Ethical Issues in Restoration Ethical Issues in Restoration and The Public Justification of Conservation Programs Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 13: A Return to Anthropecentrism and its alternatives Reflection on themes from the semester: Anthropocentrism and its alternatives, and appeals to nature. Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L08 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.