Away MAVE

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

Assessment

The assessment for this module is based on either
1 long essay of 5,000 words or
1 essay of 3,500 words and a portfolio of discussion site contributions
(There will be suggested readings, from journals etc. with each block, but do not attempt to get or read all of them, they are just there as possible suggestions. Often it is better to focus on just a few readings.)

Essay questions

Do the intellectual norms associated with modern science tend to issue in a particular orientation towards nature?

Do enlightenment values necessarily entail a narrowly instrumental attitude towards nature?

What does Husserl think we stand to gain from appreciating the origins of modern mathematical science?

There is an ‘internal instrumentalist character of scientific rationality by virtue of which it is a priori technology, and the a priori of a specific technology … of domination’ (Marcuse). Explain and critically discuss this claim.

What are Habermas’ main objections to Marcuse’s proposal for an alternative science? How convincing are these objections?

How helpful is Habermas’ conception of communicative rationality for environmentalism?

How successfully can theories of deliberative democracy be applied in relation to environmental problems?

As with most modules if none of the titles suit your your particular interests you can devise your own title as long as you check with Alison first.

Discussion

Discussion is an invaluable tool in philosophy - it enables collaborative learning, sharing different perspectives in relation to the course material and an opportunity to express your own critical views.
An essential dimension of discussion for distance learners is the web-based discussion-site. Home students are taking the course at the same time, and following the same course material, so we encourage all students to join in on the discussion. All students on this module, and any MAVE module, will have a user password for the MAVE web based discussion site. You can reach this site from the IEPPP home page or go to: http://ktru-main.lancs.ac.uk/PHLSPHY/MAVE1999.nsf.
In each unit, you will be asked to send a contribution to the discussion site. This is usually in response to one of the discussion questions or exercises. If you choose, your discussion-site contributions may count toward your assessment for this course.