Study structure

The introductory module demonstrates the need for a critical examination of the environment and society and defines the framework of the MA program. The aim is to introduce students to the relevant topics and to demonstrate the connection between the various aspects of the degree program in an exemplary manner.

The Master's program "Philosophy: Environment - Society - Criticism" places the emphasis of philosophical thought and action on connection and networking. It thus stands in contrast to common oppositions, such as those between the natural environment and the social environment.

Global problems can only be solved globally. In this respect, all relevant questions concerning the relationship between humans and nature transcend the boundaries of natural and social philosophy. The solutions sought will be interdisciplinary or even transdisciplinary. They will even transcend the boundaries of the "two cultures".

The MA02 / MA03 modules are explicitly designed as project modules to train the teamwork skills and networked thinking and action required for this situation and provide an introduction to research-related project work. Compared to the first project phase (module MA02), module MA03 is characterized by greater independence in terms of topic search and design and continues the work in a new team constellation and with new topics. Alternatively, the second project can also be completed as a practical project outside the university.

Module M04 deals with selected topics from the fields of philosophy of science and technology, natural philosophy and philosophical anthropology and shows their relevance for problem areas relevant to environmental ethics.

The need for philosophical reflection on the epistemic and practical dimensions of human-nature relationships was already evident with the environmental crisis of the 1970s, but especially due to the global threat potential of climate change or species extinction. This is particularly true under the conditions of a supposed Anthropocene or a seemingly complete loss of nature. An appropriate definition of the relationships between "nature" and "culture", "technology" or "norm" and the position of humans in nature must critically question both technical and scientific understandings of nature as well as their mythical, religious, aesthetic etc. alternatives. Alternatives must be critically scrutinized. Here it is important to explore the potential of classical philosophies of nature as well as to keep an eye on the natural philosophical framework of environmental ethical programs and positions. Anthropological and techno-philosophical questions are at the core of such analyses.

The potential for conflict in our current interaction with nature gives rise not least to ethical questions about the right, appropriate or good treatment of nature. The aim of module MA05 is therefore to impart the basic framework of relevant environmental ethics expertise. This includes knowledge of basic concepts and basic positions in environmental ethics. Specific justification approaches and positions will be presented as well as historical developments and political constellations. In addition to fundamental questions, the course will always introduce specific fields of application (climate change, biodiversity, agriculture, nutrition, water ethics, technology, environmental economics, etc.). The interlinking of environmental ethics topics with socio-political issues (global growth paradigm, externalization or questions of ecofeminism) in the sense of the Master's programme is central to this.

The interrelationship between questions of natural and social philosophy also means that the philosophical reflections on culture and language in module MA06 are at the center of the philosophical examination of our interaction with nature. In general, human knowledge and actions are linguistically constituted and justified. Concepts such as "nature", "landscape", "wilderness" or "ecosystem" are also cultural-historical phenomena and have developed their own meanings in different cultural traditions. Last but not least, environmental ethics as ethics is itself a central, linguistically constituted element of human culture. In addition, the Master's degree program has to deal with global problems: from climate change to species extinction and resource scarcity. These affect cultural forms and cultural self-images, question them, jeopardize them or challenge them to transform. At the same time, specific cultural traditions have an impact on the way we deal with nature and give it a different cultural character.

Human relations to nature are always socially mediated. They express the specific historical constellation of a particular social formation. Natural conditions are therefore closely linked to political, economic and social conditions. These must be critically examined in MA07 to determine the extent to which they determine or shape current problem contexts of our dealings with nature. Here, not only the role of the economic-industrial complex and the socio-political framework must be questioned, but the basic assumptions on which they are based must also be subjected to historical contextualization and critical examination. In addition, the extent to which social institutions such as education, law or the public sphere contribute to hindering, initiating or guiding social engagement in environmental debates must be examined. This analysis also has a global dimension, as questions on climate justice, the influence of global corporations and the role of the financial markets show. This area also includes weighing up the opportunities and risks of global digital networking.

The Master's colloquium must be attended by all MA students. Not only are results from the project teams (MA02 / MA03) presented and discussed there, but external academics are also invited to discuss relevant topics. The colloquium is intended to ensure an exchange between MA students as well as to enable thematic bundling and concept transfer. Furthermore, the team projects and the public presentations are supervised as part of the Master's colloquium.