Thinking about Ecology - MB162S17

• Title: Myšlení o ekologii
• Czech title: Myšlení o ekologii
• Guaranteed by: Department of Ecology (31-162)
• Faculty: Faculty of Science
• Actual: from 2025
• Semester: summer
• E-Credits: 2
• Examination process: summer s.:combined
• Hours per week, examination: summer s.:1/0, Ex [HT]
• Capacity: unlimited
• Min. number of students: unlimited
• 4EU+: no
• Virtual mobility / capacity: no
• State of the course: taught
• Language: English
• Level: specialized
• Note: enabled for web enrollment
• Guarantor: doc. RNDr. David Hořák, Ph.D.
• Teacher(s): doc. RNDr. David Hořák, Ph.D.

Annotation

English

The lecture does not take place in the summer semester 2026!

During the journal club, we explore the philosophical foundations of ecological knowledge, addressing
philosophical questions in ecology and, where relevant, environmental philosophy. We will touch upon
fundamental ecological concepts and interdisciplinary interactions in ecology. The seminars emphasize the role of
philosophy in shaping ecological research. The main focus of the seminar is the study of selected texts and
subsequent discussions aimed at exploring and understanding the nature and limits of ecological knowledge,
including its implications for environmental decision-making. The seminar is ideal for PhD students who wish to
deepen their understanding of the philosophical foundations of ecology and engage in thorough intellectual
discussions.

Last update: Hořák David, doc. RNDr., Ph.D. (29.01.2026)

Czech

V LS 2026 NEPROBÍHÁ!

Během semináře (Journal Club) zkoumáme filozofické základy ekologického poznání, zabýváme se filozofickými
otázkami v ekologii, případně environmentální filozofii. Dotkneme se základních ekologických konceptů i
mezioborových interakcí v ekologii. V rámci seminářů klademe důraz na roli filozofie ve formování ekologického
bádání. Hlavní náplní semináře je studium vybraných textů a následná diskuse s cílem prozkoumat a pochopit
povahu a meze ekologického poznání, včetně jeho důsledků pro rozhodování v oblasti životního prostředí. Seminář
je ideální pro studenty doktorského studia, kteří chtějí prohloubit své porozumění filozofickým základům ekologie a
zapojit se do důkladných intelektuálních diskusí.

Last update: Hořák David, doc. RNDr., Ph.D. (29.01.2026)

Learning outcomes

KNOWLEDGE

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Explain key philosophical concepts relevant to ecology.

2. Describe the philosophical foundations and assumptions underlying selected ecological theories and concepts.

3. Understand the limits, uncertainties, and normative dimensions of ecological knowledge.

4. Summarize major debates in environmental philosophy related to ecological research and environmental decision-making.

5. Recognize the role of interdisciplinarity in shaping ecological inquiry and knowledge production.

SKILLS

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Critically read and interpret philosophical and theoretical texts in ecology and environmental philosophy.

2. Formulate and articulate well-structured arguments in oral discussions and written reflections.

3. Analyze ecological concepts and research practices from a philosophical perspective.

4. Synthesize ideas from ecology, philosophy, and related disciplines into coherent conceptual frameworks.

5. Evaluate scientific claims and policy-relevant ecological knowledge with regard to assumptions, evidence, and uncertainty.

COMPETENCES

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Apply philosophical reflection to improve the design, interpretation, and communication of ecological research.

2. Engage constructively in advanced academic debates and interdisciplinary discussions.

3. Demonstrate independent critical thinking when addressing complex theoretical and normative issues in ecology.

4. Integrate ethical and epistemological considerations into environmental decision-making contexts.

5. Develop a reflective and responsible scientific attitude toward the production and use of ecological knowledge.

Last update: Hořák David, doc. RNDr., Ph.D. (28.01.2026)