The Philosophy Department at Boston University invites you to attend a timely, thought-provoking symposium on ethics and the environment. Sessions will take place on Friday, April 9, and Saturday, April 10. Speakers will include some of the leading philosophers and corporate thinkers in the field, discussing ethical approaches to environmentalism and corporate responsibility.

We also invite you to attend a reception for all BU Philosophy alumni and conference attendees on Friday, April 9, at 5 p.m.

View the press release about the symposium.

Program

Each speaker’s session will include a 45-minute presentation, followed by a 5-minute commentary and audience questions and discussion. All sessions will be held in the Metcalf Trustee Center at Boston University, One Sherborn Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

Friday, April 9

3.00-5.00 p.m.
Dale Jamieson – Professor of Environmental Studies and Philosophy at New York University
‘The Rights of Animals and the Demands of Nature’

Respondent: David Jennings, graduate student, BU Philosophy Department

5.00-6.00 p.m.
Reception – All are welcome

Saturday, April 10

10.00 a.m.-12.00 noon
Sheldon Krimsky – Professor of Urban & Environmental Policy & Planning at Tufts University
‘The Ethics of Biodiversity and Transgenic Respeciation of the Biosphere’

Respondent: Alice MacLachlan, graduate student, BU Philosophy Department

1.00-3.00 p.m.
Lori Gruen – Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Wesleyan University
‘Toxic Responsibility, Causation and Luck’

Respondent: Anthony Reeves, graduate student, BU Philosophy Department

3.30-5.00 p.m.
Roundtable discussion of corporate responsibility for the environment. Speakers will include:

Samuel H. Hallowell, Jr. – Vice President and Founding Partner of Van Liew Capital Inc.; Secretary of the board of directors of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.

Andrew J. Hoffman – Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior at Boston University

Steven D. Lydenberg – Chief Investment Officer of Domini Social Investments

Andy MacDonald – Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group (Masspirg)

Dale Jamieson – Professor of Environmental Studies and Philosophy at New York University (with a response and summary)

Directions

The Trustee Center is on the ninth floor of the building that houses the BU School of Management, which is located just west of Kenmore Square at the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Sherborn Street. Enter the building at the Sherborn Street entrance and take the closest elevators up to the ninth floor.

Please note: There are many metered parking spaces and parking lots on the BU campus, but parking for the Friday events will be challenging, due to the Red Sox season opener at nearby Fenway Park. Parking can be reserved in advance if you request it when registering for the event. Call 617-353-1060 for assistance.