In this course we examine the ethical and epistemological ways in which humans have tried to understand their place on earth and their relationship with the biota and abiota around them. From nature as hostile to indifferent to nurturing; from utilitarian to deontological to wise-use conservation to intrinsic value preservation; from deep ecology to social ecology; course participants examine ways of understanding the ways in which conceptions of nature have emerged in different social, economic, political, environmental and temporal conditions and been socially and ecologically functional as well as dysfunctional. We will consider the behavioural, societal, environmental effects and implications of different perspectives on nature from folklore, to natural science to philosophy and ethics.

Course Outline [1]