Philosophy and Climate Change



Overview

A day exploring the philosophy of climate change. What are our ethical responsibilities so far as care of the planet is concerned? What moral responsibilities do we have to future generations? What kinds of action are ethically permitted – and perhaps even required of us – in protesting and combatting climate change? 

Climate change is a global concern. This event aims to inform and educate the public on the ethical and other philosophical issues that surround this mounting crisis.

Rupert Read is one of the world’s leading authorities and campaigners on environmental ethics and Helen Barnard is an expert on the philosophy of Climate Change. 

Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 BST on 23 October 2024.

Programme details

9.45am    
Registration at Rewley House reception (in-person attendees)

10am
Climate change and the problems of motivation and responsibility
Helen Barnard 

11.15am    
Tea/coffee break

11.45am
Climate change and environmental ethics: the way forward
Helen Barnard 

1pm     
Lunch break 

2pm     
Strategic adaptation for emergency resilience 
Rupert Read 

3.15pm    
Tea/coffee break

3.45pm    
Discussion
Helen Barnard and Rupert Read, chaired by Stephen Law 

5pm     
End of day  

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee - in-person attendance (includes tea/coffee) £120.00
Course Fee - virtual attendance £110.00
Baguette Lunch £7.30
Hot Lunch £19.25

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutors

Dr Helen Barnard

Speaker

Helen Barnard has been teaching at the Department of Continuing Education for 10 years as well as a second level course in philosophy with the Open University. Her specialist interest is environmental ethics but also all other aspects of ethics.

Dr Rupert Read

Speaker

Rupert Read is one of the world's leading authorities and campaigners on environmental ethics. For 26 years, he was Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of East Anglia, and he is now the Co-Director of the Climate Majority Project. Rupert was a spokesperson and political strategist for Extinction Rebellion and a spokesperson, national parliamentary candidate, European parliamentary candidate and councillor for the Green Party of England and Wales. His latest book is ‘Why climate breakdown matters’ 
(Bloomsbury). 

Dr Stephen Law

Chair

Stephen Law is a Departmental Lecturer in Philosophy and Director of the Certificate of Higher Education at OUDCE. His research focuses on the philosophy of mind, language, metaphysics and on philosophy of religion. He also writes many accessible online articles and edits the Royal Institute of Philosophy journal THINK: Philosophy for Everyone.

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the price, but if you wish to stay with us the night before the course, then please contact our Residential Centre.

Accommodation in Rewley House - all bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished and each room has tea and coffee making facilities, Freeview television, and Free WiFi and private bath or shower rooms.  Please contact our Residential Centre on +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk for details of availability and discounted prices.

IT requirements

For those joining us online

We will be using Zoom for the livestreaming of this event. If you’re attending online, you’ll be able to see and hear the speakers, and to submit questions via the Zoom interface. Joining instructions will be sent out prior to the start date. We recommend that you join the session at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start time – just as you might arrive a bit early at our lecture theatre for an in-person event.

Please note that this course will not be recorded.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support