University of North Texas 
UNT's Department of Philosophy and Religion Studies is renowned as a world leader in environmental ethics and environmental philosophy.
In Cape Horn, scientists and philosophers have been working since 2000 to create a
"field philosophy" that addresses real world environmental problems and better integrates
the sciences and humanities.
Field philosophy is an emerging approach to philosophy that emphasizes the use of traditional philosophy in the assessment of tangible, current problems. It differs from "applied philosophy" in the sense that it starts with the problem itself - in the "field" -- and identifies the implicit philosophical issues. In other words, it starts with the problem and not with the philosophy. Because field philosophy starts with a problem not defined by philosophy, the philosopher must be familiar with other pertinent aspects, be they economic, sociological, ecological, or political. Field philosophy is inherently transdisciplinary: it engages philosophical inquiry with recognized problems, and requires the collaboration of philosophers, and other academics, and non-academics, including scientists, policy-makers, stakeholders, and the public.
The field station in Cape Horn, Chile, offers a unique conceprual and physical space to engage in field philosophy. Biologists, ecologists, philosophers, and students from Chile, the U.S, Latin America, and around the world, work together to conserve the biological and cultural diversity of the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve. Rather than merely theorizing about these issues from afar, the field station provides us with the unique opportunity learn from and value with local flora and fauna, as well as people living in the region, including members of indigenous cultures that share traditional ecological knowledge at risk of being lost as traditional languages are replaced by dominant ones.
In keeping with the spirit of "field philosophy" in southern tip of Chile, we emphasize
the importance of biocultural conservation that incorporates the traditions and philosophies
of indigenous people and South-American philosophers and scientists, past and present.
In Fall 2007, the International Society for Environmental Ethics (ISEE) began a bilingual
South American environmental philosophy section, with the aim of nurturing a dialogue among contemporary voices from South American,
and the broader international philosophical communinity. We hope that working closely
with a diversity of environmental thinkers will foster rich philosophical foundations
adressing challenges for biocultural conservation in southern Chile. Every four months,
we invite a prominent South American environmental philosopher to discuss the contributions
made by philosophers in their country. These insights are valuable for building networks
and organizational platforms for Noth and South American environmental philosophers,
that are grounded in the myriad of cultures and traditions of South American countries.