Course Description
Ethical dimensions of human interactions with Earth’s systems, including resource use, environmental change, sustainability, and social responsibility. Examines how values, equity, and decision-making shape responses to geologic and environmental challenges across local and global scales.
Athena Title
Earth and Ethics
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- Students will explain how ethical principles provide justification for standards of conduct related to environmental decision-making and Earth resource management.
- Students will recognize and evaluate the complexities of competing ethical principles in addressing environmental challenges such as climate change, energy development, and natural hazard mitigation.
- Students will apply ethical reasoning frameworks to real-world cases involving human interactions with Earth systems, including resource extraction, land use, and environmental justice.
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of how cultural, economic, and political values shape environmental ethics and influence decision-making at local and global scales.
- Students will communicate reasoned arguments that integrate scientific understanding and ethical analysis to support responsible actions toward the environment.
Topical Outline
- Introduction to Ethics and Environmental Philosophy
Overview of key ethical concepts, philosophical foundations, and historical perspectives guiding human-environment relationships.
Ethical Theories and Frameworks in Environmental Decision-Making
Examination of utilitarian, deontological, virtue, and ecological ethics as applied to environmental challenges.
Human-Earth Relationships: Values, Worldviews, and Responsibility
Exploration of cultural and societal beliefs that shape how humans perceive and interact with Earth systems.
Resource Use and Sustainability Ethics
Ethical considerations in resource extraction, consumption, and sustainable development practices.
Environmental Justice and Equity in Access to Natural Resources
Analysis of fairness, equity, and power dynamics in environmental decision-making across communities.
Climate Change, Energy, and Global Responsibility
Ethical implications of climate action, energy transitions, and intergenerational responsibility.
Case Studies in Land Use, Water, and Hazard Management Ethics
Evaluation of real-world ethical dilemmas in environmental planning and disaster mitigation.
Cultural and Indigenous Perspectives on Earth Stewardship
Understanding Indigenous and non-Western ethical frameworks for environmental care and stewardship.
Ethics of Environmental Policy and Governance
Assessment of how laws, institutions, and governance structures incorporate or neglect ethical reasoning.
Integrative Ethical Reasoning: Balancing Human Needs and Planetary Health
Synthesis of ethical principles to navigate trade-offs between societal development and ecosystem integrity.
Ethical Dimensions of Artificial Intelligence in Environmental Science
Exploration of AI’s role in environmental research and management, addressing bias, transparency, and accountability in automated decision-making.
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
