Ancient Forests: Legal and Philosophical Perspectives
DialogueSeattle, United States Vancouver Island, Canada Summer I, 2025
Courses
Focuses on basic questions about the nature of the state and the relationship of individuals to the state. What basis is there for individuals to obey the laws of the state? What conditions must a government meet to be legitimate? What justification can be given for democratic forms of government? Also examines what sorts of controls the state should exert over citizens, and what benefits citizens have a right to expect from the state.
Focuses on a current ecological crisis and addresses the values that underlie our concern over this crisis, whether the values at issue are anthropocentric or biocentric. Explores the ethical implications these ecological concerns have for our individual lifestyles, and for our role as members of communities.
This program is focused on the magic and importance of the few remaining ancient forests in the Pacific Northwest. On the experiential side, we will learn from people who know about these forests and have relationships with these forests. We will hear from forest ecologists, First Nations representatives, activists, people in the lumber industry, big tree hunters, nature guides, park rangers, and those who work in policy. As will become increasingly apparent throughout the program, we will see how big ecological concerns are often intertwined with human concerns and vice versa. A highlight of the program will be a 5-day backpacking trip through the Hoh Rainforest.
