The main aim of the seminar is to introduce students to some of the key theological and philosophical themes that have emerged in connection with the relationship between humans and nature. Together, we will read and discuss the book The Ethics of Environmental Concern by Robin Attfield, a British philosopher specializing in environmental ethics, who is regarded as one of the pioneers of this now well-established field. Even more than thirty years after the publication of its second edition, Attfield’s book remains remarkably informative and, in many respects, still highly relevant. In this work, he seeks to combine philosophical depth with theological themes, thus enriching the ecological debate with a broader cultural and moral context. The book is divided into two parts. The first addresses ecological problems and traditions, analyzing, for instance, the influence of the Judeo-Christian heritage, the idea of human dominion over nature, the concept of stewardship, the relationship between humans and nature, and the belief in progress. The second part focuses on applied ethics—questions of what we owe to future generations, how to approach overpopulation and the value of life, how to understand moral relationships between species, and whether a new ethic is needed for the ecological age. Attfield’s work is exceptional not only in academic terms but also in its practical significance: he has contributed substantially to the establishment of environmental ethics as a respected field of philosophy. His ability to clearly articulate complex issues and to build interdisciplinary bridges makes him a key figure in the ongoing debate about the future of humanity and the planet.
Note: the seminar is listed under two codes: as a three-credit seminar (RETN 5042A) for those who take it without a final seminar paper, and as a six-credit seminar (RETN 5042) for those who submit a seminar paper.
Last update: Zámečník Jan, Mgr., Ph.D. (07.08.2025)
Course completion requirements
Course completion requirements:
- regular attendance - active participation - presentation of one chapter/topic
Last update: Zámečník Jan, Mgr., Ph.D. (31.07.2024)
Literature
ATTFIELD, Robin. The ethics of environmental concern. 2nd ed. Athens: University of Georgia press, 1991, xxiii, 249. ISBN 0820313440.
Last update: Zámečník Jan, Mgr., Ph.D. (10.09.2025)
Syllabus
1. 10.
Introduction to the Seminar
8. 10.
Ecological Problems
15. 10.
Man’s Dominion and the Judeo‑Christian Heritage
22. 10.
The Tradition of Stewardship
5. 11.
Nature and the Place of Man
12. 11.
Future Generations
19. 11.
Belief in Progress
26. 11.
Multiplication and the Value of Life
3. 12.
The Moral Standing of Nonhumans
10. 12.
Inter‑species Morality: Principles and Priorities
17. 12.
Problems and Principles: Is a New Ethic Required?
7. 1.
A selected topic in ecotheology (to be specified later)
17. 1.
Reflection on the Seminar
Last update: Zámečník Jan, Mgr., Ph.D. (15.09.2025)
