The master's program "Philosophy: Environment - Society - Criticism" opens up a new interdisciplinary approach to philosophy. The main focus is on how knowledge and philosophy can be applied in a contemporary way within the framework of forward-looking critical reflection in order to reshape ecological and social contexts.
Climate change, extinction of species, scarcity of resources on a global scale: these are the urgent potential threats to our interaction with nature. The inner connection of these dangers with a global growth paradigm, the momentum of technical developments and imperially oriented social relationships is increasingly coming into focus. There is a fundamental need for action here, which includes basic philosophical reflection. For in the relevant fields of action, such as climate protection, nature conservation, species protection or animal welfare, it is becoming increasingly clear that common demarcations have been abolished. Thus, the protection of the environment must be considered together with the way in which social life is organized, since it is necessary to overcome classic oppositions such as that of nature and society.
This is where the master's program in philosophy comes in. It is oriented towards an increased demand for philosophical expertise in the field of environmental debates (philosophy of nature and environmental ethics) as well as critical social analysis. In particular, it takes into account the interaction and interlocking of both areas, as this represents an essential desideratum.
The goal of the program is the formation of a research-oriented and interdisciplinary reflective competence on current topics in environmental and social theory, based on solid philosophical expertise. Students acquire knowledge and content-related competencies in the following areas:
- Natural Philosophy
- environmental theory and environmental ethics
- philosophical anthropology
- cultural theory and aesthetics
- critical social theory and politics.
Working closely with relevant disciplines, the master's program ensures cross-disciplinary competence and critical potential, which are most in demand in today's dynamic knowledge society in academic and many non-academic professional fields. The program thus offers both the qualification for doctoral studies and entry into research, as well as numerous career prospects beyond the academic environment.
