Unit for Environmental Ethics

MPhil in Applied Ethics (Environmental Ethics)

The MPhil in Applied Ethics (Environmental Ethics) is a one year programme which consists of biannual contact sessions, coursework, and an independent research component. This programme offers tuition and training in environmental ethics, focusing on the following:

• Different philosophical models for the conceptualisation of environmental problems;
• Different approaches to environmental ethics (for example, strong anthropocentrism, weak anthropocentrism, animal rights, animal liberation, biocentric individualism, ecocentric holism, deep ecology, ecofeminism, social ecology, bioregionalism and environmental pragmatism);
• Environmental ethical values and principles, for example sustainability, precaution, ecological integrity;The relationship between environmental ethical values and other values like economics, efficiency, freedom, equality and justice;
• The implications of environmental ethical values and principles for environmental policy and management;The implementation of environmental ethical values in politics, economics and everyday life;
• The ethical basis of environmental policy and management in a developing country;
• Contemporary issues in environmental ethics (for example, climate change).

Environmental Ethics is also offered as a 5-day module in the  MPhil (Environmental Management) programme.

For general information, see the MPhil in Applied Ethics​ section.

Inquiries: louisedt@sun.ac.za