The inclusion of non-human life forms in an ethics as knowledge of life

New article by Prof. Dr. Dirk Lanzerath

The dramatic increase in human influence on nature in the Anthropocene is accompanied by major challenges: on the one hand, how to deal with nature in the face of the predominantly negative consequences of climate change and, on the other, the self-image of humans, which has been called into question as a result. In a new article, Prof. Dr. Dirk Lanzerath explores how humans can live up to their claim to autonomy while also taking non-human life forms into account.

PRACC in a newspaper interview

Prof. Dr. Dirk Lanzerath and Dr. Marius Bartmann in the Bonner General-Anzeiger

Is it legitimate to restrict our civil liberties to protect the climate? Project coordinator Dirk Lanzerath and head of the ethical sub-project Marius Bartmann gave an interview to the Bonner General-Anzeiger on this question researched in the PRACC project.

Individual and Collective Responsibility in the Context of Climate Change

Lecture by Dr. Marius Bartmann

As part of the XI Conference on Practical Philosophy, Dr. Marius Bartmann will give a lecture entitled “Individual and Collective Responsibility in the Context of Climate Change” on September 20, 2024. He will shed light on the question if responsibility can be attributed to actions associated with emissions and whether our current concept of responsibility needs to be modified or even replaced by a concept of collective responsibility to do so.

Dies Academicus of the University of Bonn

PRACC is participating in the Dies Academicus on May 15, 2024 with a lecture and a panel discussion on the topic "Which diversity should we protect? An interdisciplinary perspective on nature conservation" (Faculty of Humanities program, 11.15 a.m. to 12.45 p.m., Lecture Hall VIII).

Bonn Science Night

PRACC takes part in the 14th Bonn Science Night. Under the motto "Freigeist", research and scientific institutions will present their projects and invite visitors to exchange ideas (May 16, 2024, Münsterplatz Bonn).

Climate Justice

The German Reference Centre for Ethics in the Life Sciences (DRZE) has published an expert report on climate justice. This expert report maps and analyses the complex justice issues that arise in the context of climate change and evaluates policy responses to the impacts of climate change from a climate justice perspective.

Climate Change, Health, and Ethics

New article by Dr. Marius Bartmann

Climate change poses one of the greatest threats to human health. Issues of global and intergenerational justice play a central role. This paper presents some key ethical challenges in the context of the multiple consequences of climate change for human health by conceiving of climate change primarily as a bioethical justice problem.

Intertemporal biodiversity conservation?

New article by Prof. Dr. Dr. Tade Spranger

The concept of intertemporal safeguarding of freedom in the Federal Constitutional Court’s climate protection decision has caused a stir. In his article “Intertemporal biodiversity conservation?”, Prof. Dr. Dr. Tade Spranger – head of the PRACC legal subproject – examines the extent to which this concept can also be applied to the field of biodiversity conservation.

What kind of nature should be protected?

Lecture by Prof. Dr. Dirk Lanzerath

At the invitation of the Naturforschende Gesellschaft Graubünden (NGG) in Chur (Switzerland), Prof. Dr. Dirk Lanzerath will give a lecture on 1 February 2024 entitled “What kind of nature should be protected? – On the ethics of human-nature relations”. In it, he will discuss the question of which ethical rules of preference are appropriate for deciding how we can use nature in the Anthropocene, when we need to manage it and under what circumstances it can be left wild.

Biodiversity in the Anthropocene — restore or design?

October 16, 2023 – Bonn University Club

In the context of the 13th “Ethik-Forum”, renowned experts will shed light in a panel discussion on how an appropriate understanding of biodiversity conservation can be developed under the conditions of the Anthropocene. Should natural processes be managed for the purpose of restoration and preservation with as little human intervention as possible, or must a greater claim to design be derived in the age of the Anthropocene?

Biodiversity Day

The Botanic Gardens of the University of Bonn celebrate the International Day of Biodiversity on May 21, 2023. At numerous stands you will learn everything about the diversity of the plant and animal world.

Sustainability Congress 2023

Prof. Dr. Dr. Tade Spranger will give a talk on “Climate Protection Law” at the SRH Heidelberg Sustainability Congress 2023 on April 22, 2023.

Seminar at the University of Bonn

Prof. Dr. Dirk Lanzerath is conducting seminar on “Nature and Environmental Ethics” in the summer semester 2023.

Seminar at the University of Bonn

Dr. Marius Bartmann is conducting a seminar on “Climate Ethics” in the summer semester 2023.

Seminar at FZ Jülich

Prof. Dr. Sandra Venghaus is conducting a seminar with the topic “Meet the Circular Economy” in the summer semester 2023.

Seminar at the University of Bonn

Prof. Dr. Maximilian Weigend will conduct a seminar on “Biodiversity of Plants” in the summer semester 2023.