BIO-ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS

The increased interest in knowledge of earth?s linked physical and biological systems (atmosphere, oceans, soils, minerals, fresh water, and living organisms) has created more awareness of environmental problems such as microbial threats, air pollution, toxic waste, climate change, population growth and overconsumption, shortage of natural resources, deforestation, alteration of the genes of species, and extinction of species. The advent of industrial revolution, the development of the chemical industry, and the introduction of nuclear technology had already markedly changed the relationship between human beings and environment. But, recent advancement in molecular biology, recombination technologies, genetics and biotechnology could have adverse effects on the environment if there is no vigilance in ethical oversight. The acknowledgement that these environmental issues directly impact human being necessitates ethical reflection and policy oversight. This course is designed to introduce students to the different ways of moral thinking about the importance and interdependent of all forms of earth?s biological and physical systems; and to provide guidance towards critical engagement with new trends in bio-environmental ethical concerns for purposes of sustainable development.