Tuesday 30 November 2010

Philosophy Society: next meeting Thursday 9th December; details below

The Trent Philosophy Society will be entering its third year this term. Last year we had a number of nocturnal socials and events (namely film viewings and discussions). We hope to expand the scope of the Phil Soc this year and the society organisers will be meeting soon to discuss the range of possible events, from debates and lectures to reading groups, outings to essay competitions. We also hope to obtain Student Union recognition this year pending a sizable increase in attendance and membership from last year. (Union Affiliation will cost a couple of pounds per year but would greatly increase our ability to organise more ambitious events).
If anyone is interested in joining please email either Mark Crane (N0286133) or Stephen Gidlow (N0236892)

Staff Student Seminar

NTU Philosophy Staff and Student Seminar Series 2010/2011

“Foundations of Contemporary Environmental Ethics in 19th and 20th Century Western Thought: From Emerson’s and Thoreau’s Transcendentalism to Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic”

By Ugur M. Parlar, MA

Date: January 12, 2011, Wednesday
Place: George Elliott Building
ICAN Room 215
Time: 1pm – 3pm

Summary

This 2 hours long seminar lecture introduces key American Philosophers who signalled the foundations of environmental ethics in Western thought. We shall discuss New England Transcendentalists Emerson’s and Thoreau’s letters and move to Aldo Leopold’s ethical philosophy pertaining to the natural world.

It is also an opportunity to discuss current ecological and ethical problems, and thus the place of mankind on this planet.

Key Questions

What is an environmental ethic? How does it emerge?
Where does the notion of transcendentalism come from?
What is the meaning of “economy” in Thoreau?
How could a harmonious existence alongside natural world be possible?

ALL WELCOME ! – You can RSVP the event on Facebook (search “American Philosophers and the Foundations of Environmental Ethics Seminar”)