Away MAVE

The Distance Mode of MA in Values and the Environment at Lancaster University

Aim and Outcomes

This course aims to explore the relationship between science, Enlightenment, and conceptions of nature in a series of historical texts. The course will:

Ask whether, in what way, modern science can be said to promote or embody the domination of nature
Overview the development of ecological critiques of science
Introduce Enlightenment conceptions of science, rationality, and objectivity
Examine Husserl’s account of the rise of modern science
Critically assess the Frankfurt School’s critiques of Enlightenment, science, and technology, paying special attention to Marcuse’s proposal for an alternative science
Discuss Habermas’ idea of communicative rationality and its implications for environmental thinking and for political theories of democracy

These themes will be explored in discussion focusing primarily on critical analysis of the key texts.