Philosophy

track

track Philosophy, Politics and Society

This master's specialisation focuses on the Philosophy of Sustainability and Environment. Clarify the relation between humanity and nature, envisage a future in which we have overcome climate change.

The philosophy of sustainability and the environment is particularly interesting and valuable for two reasons. The first reason is practical: humanity is facing immense challenges due to our impacts on the environment, challenges to which we cannot postpone a response. We know that human influence on the climate system is clear and that human actions threaten more species with global extinction now than ever before. Furthermore, we have 17 sustainable development goals to reach by 2030. What are the fundamental causes of the situation we presently find ourselves in? How should we react?

The second reason is theoretical: the central theories in practical philosophy, such as deontology and utilitarianism or theories about democracy and communication, have generally been concerned about and developed for the interaction of presently-living rational human beings. The application of these theories to the 'border cases' of philosophy, such as humans who do not yet exist or organisms that are non-human offers interesting stumbling blocks. Philosophy of sustainability and the environment therefore makes us look more critical to our philosophical toolbox.