PhD in Environmental Philosophy

University of Sheffield

Environmental philosophy addresses such questions by seeking to understand nature and its value, and using ethical and political theories to reflect on environmental challenges. Topics and approaches within the field include conservation and restoration, environmental justice and environmental racism, ecofeminism, climate change, green political theory, the ethics of technology, and environmental activism.Sheffield has particular strengths environmental political philosophy and climate justice. Undergraduates and MA students may take our module on The Political Philosophy of Climate Change or a Workplace Learning module, on which they can arrange a volunteer placement with an environmental organisation, writing essays about the philosophical issues that arise within this sector. Our Centre for Engaged Philosophy promotes philosophy that engages with the problems of our time, including environmental challenges. Department events have included public talks on climate justice and the school strikes for climate and a workshop series on land rights in a changing climate. The department also has links with the Leverhulme Centre for Climate Mitigation, with one of our current PhD students contributing to this project. We have adopted the British Philosophical Association’s guidelines on environmentally responsible university business travel, which aim to reduce air travel within the profession.