African Environmental Ethics, Philosophy and Education versus Environmental Activism: The Great Debate

The Environmental Ethics Unit in the Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, Akoka-Lagos, Nigeria in collaboration with the Center for Environmental Philosophy (CEP) in the Department of Philosophy and Religion Studies, University of North Texas (UNT), located in Denton, Texas, United States will hold its third annual conference on the above theme.

The search for sustainable living has been assumed to be the preserve of scientists and social scientists. Owing to the technological nature of its phenomena, it is believed to be of scientific methodology. Where human concern is needed, a social science methodology is expected which can easily be put in practice by environmental activists and advocacy groups. The questions have always concerned why humankind continues with the abuse and pollution of the environment when it is believed doing so will endanger their lives? Answers to these are not the province of science but spirituality and the arts.

The conference, therefore, will be more of a conversation among various practitioners of the environmental project. Environmental ethicists and educational specialists argue more for the right consciousness and living springing from personal convictions that would make the human-environmental balance possible. An integration of these varied paths are therefore necessary for the successful restoration of humans and the environment in Africa, where advocates of African pre-colonial ecological principles can share their insights with the global community.

The conference registration fee is $160 for foreign delegates and N20, 000.00 (Naira) for Nigerian participants, which includes all program materials, lunch for two days. Questions regarding mode of payment, transportation, accommodation and other logistics should be directed to the Conference Coordinator, Dr. Chigbo Ekwealo ([email protected]) or Dr. Gene Hargrove, Director of CEP ([email protected]).

Contact:

Dr. Chigbo Ekwealo and Dr. Gene Hargrove
Email: [email protected] and [email protected]