Course: Ethical Reflection on Food and Agriculture (4302-421)

Persons:

• Prof. Dr. Claudia Bieling (verantwortlich)
• Julia Rietze (verwaltend)

Type of Course:

seminar with excercise

In-Class Hours Per Week:

4

Contents:

The module is broadly structured in two parts:
Part I is dedicated to the theoretical foundations of ethical thinking. Under the guidance of an ethicist from the International Center of Ethics in the Sciences and Humanities (IZEW, University of Tübingen), students will become acquainted with basic knowledge of ethical theory and tools for ethical analysis and argumentation, including:
- prudence, justice and the good life as principles for ethical assessment
- from fact to values and norms: how to build an argument
- dealing with non-knowledge.
In parallel to the lectures of the first part, students will practice the application of these theories and tools by elaborating case studies (group work) on an ethical issue of their choice (e.g. animal welfare, GMOs, biofuels).

In Part II, students will further enhance their capacity to identify ethical issues related to the field of food and agriculture and critically reflect on them. For this, guest speakers are invited to share their experiences and perspectives, e.g. as an ethicist working in science or on providing food aid to developing countries. A particular emphasis will be on “solutions” or ways forward for reducing ethical problems and conflicts. As part of this, we will for instance explore the potential of taxation as a means for including ethical concerns in policy as well as alternative economic models that call for a more just economic order.

Literature:

Readings will be provided via ILIAS.

Location:

Hohenheim

Remarks:

Please note that this module is limited to 20 students and can be taken only after applying with a motivation letter! See module description for further information.

Module:

• 4302-420 Ethical Reflection on Food and Agriculture (compulsory)

eLearning:

Course in ILIAS