Laudato Si': A Philosophical Guide to Integral Ecology

This course investigates the philosophical foundations of Pope Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si’. It moves beyond traditional environmentalism to explore the concept of integral ecology, which views social justice and environmental health as a single, unified crisis. The lectures examine the technocratic paradigm, a mindset that prioritizes profit and technological efficiency over human and natural well-being. The curriculum critiques modern anthropocentrism—the belief that humans possess absolute dominion over the earth—and argues for a recovery of stewardship and a respect for the inherent dignity of all creatures. By analyzing these foundational concepts, the series identifies the root of the ecological crisis in modern human values rather than simple resource management. The second half of the course transitions from theory to practical ethics and public policy. Lessons focus on the ecology of daily life, examining how urban planning, housing, and public spaces affect human dignity. A significant portion of the material addresses intergenerational justice, questioning the morality of short-term economic gains that jeopardize the lives of future generations. The course also evaluates the tension between financial interests and political responsibility, advocating for a dialogue that prioritizes the common good over corporate lobbying. Finally, the series introduces the concept of ecological conversion, a spiritual and lifestyle shift toward simplicity and humility. It concludes by defining civic and political love as the necessary framework for individual and collective action to restore our common home.