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John Broome’s “Climate Matters: Ethics in a Warming World”
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:15:41
Abstract
In this course, students will be introduced to key ethical issues and solutions that arise in the context of anthropocentric climate change through careful study of John Broome’s book “Climate Matters: Ethics in a Warming World” as well as alternative proposals.
Objective
The aim of this course is to allow students to think clearly and systematically about the ethical issues and issues of justice that arise in the context of climate change. Furthermore, they should be able to reflect their own ethical role and contributions with respect to climate change, as well as think critical about various major policy proposals.
Content
Man-made climate change confronts us with a difficult, ethical problem. Our use of fossil fuels and the resulting warming of the climate increases the likelihood of extreme climate events, such as droughts and floods, often threatening the livelihoods of people in the poorest countries that are not among the major emitters. What distinguishes climate change from other externalities of our actions is that most of the consequences, such as rising sea levels, will be borne by future generations. John Broome's book "Climate Matters: Ethics in a warming world" is one of the clearest ethical analyses of this problem. In it, he explores the ethical implications of our individual contributions to global warming, questions of justice, and the responsibilities that states, corporations, and other collective actors bear, using well-known ethical thought experiments such as Derek Parfit's "non-identity" problem and Judith Jarvis Thomson's violinist. His proposals, which combine utilitarian theories with economic models, such as a market for carbon credits and carbon off-setting, will form the starting point in the seminar for reflecting on and critically considering one's own ethical role, as well as the ethical foundations of public policies. Alternative solutions, such as collective actions that require greater ethical sacrifices, will also be discussed in the course.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 30
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | John Broome’s “Climate Matters: Ethics in a Warming World” |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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