Law, Ethics and Sustainability

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/R_ProEth

Course Objective

(a). Subject-specific learning outcomes By the end of the course, the student - is able to identify central ethical dilemmas in the field of law, sustainability and climate change; - has an advanced knowledge of central views and positions in ethics in this field; - can reflect on the influence that factors such as the historical, cultural or economic context or background may have on ethical questions. (b). Academic learning outcomes By the end of the course, the student - is acquainted with and able to reflect on complex contemporary academic texts relating to law, ethics and sustainability; - is able to reflect on the interrelation between history, social and economic structures, law and ethical dilemmas. (c). Social and communication learning outcomes By the end of the course, the student: - is able to identify and discuss ethical dilemmas surrounding climate change and global warming, and do so both alone and in cooperation with people of diverse backgrounds, taking their specific (national, cultural or professional) background into consideration. (d). Study skills and professional orientation The graduate is able to - reflect on their personal role and societal responsibility in this specific field; - make use of this knowledge and these skills in determining their future academic and professional development.

Course Content

Professionals, in legal and non-legal occupations alike, are increasingly confronted with serious ethical dilemmas surrounding climate change and global warming. This course addresses some of these dilemmas, drawing from contemporary academic literature as well as from real-world examples. Students are encouraged to approach complex ethical questions in this field through different means and to draw from their own personal experiences and cultural, social or national backgrounds. During the course the following aspects/ questions will be taken into account: 1) The rule of law in the Antropocene: how do questions of climate justice disrupt established legal categories? 2) History vs. future: how does the crisis of climate change (and its denial) relate to modern histories of colonialism and to discussions on the rights of future generations? 3) Natural sciences vs. social sciences and humanities: why does the challenge of global warming call for multidisciplinary answers, crossing traditional boundaries between scientific disciplines?

Teaching Methods

Lectures
- Seminars (Attendance is mandatory)

Method of Assessment

Written exam with open questions.

Literature

A syllabus with academic texts and other relevant materials to bestudied and discussed, will be provided through Canvas.

Recommended background knowledge

This course builds on the course Philosophy of Law and Security.