In a context marked by climate change, the growing complexity of social challenges and the need to rethink development models, the Catholic University of Portugal reinforces its commitment to interdisciplinary training through the PhD in Integral Ecology.
“The PhD in Integral Ecology arises from the conviction that the great challenges of our time cannot be understood or solved from a single discipline. We need to foster dialogue between Economics, Environmental Sciences, Philosophy, Theology and the Social Sciences to build fairer, more sustainable and lasting solutions for present and future generations,” says Peter Hanenberg, coordinator of the doctoral program of the Faculty of Human Sciences at the Catholic University of Portugal, as quoted in a press release.
In this sense, the PhD brings together faculty and researchers from various areas of knowledge and from different faculties of the Catholic University of Portugal.
Inspired by the concept of Integral Ecology, the program rests on the principle that environmental, social, economic and cultural crises are deeply interconnected and require responses that articulate different knowledges and perspectives. More than an approach focused exclusively on environmental issues, Integral Ecology seeks an ethical and evidence-based response to global challenges, promoting a comprehensive and interdisciplinary view of sustainability.
This perspective rests on three fundamental concerns: the responsible management of resources and the rethinking of the current technocratic paradigm, from an economic and sustainable development perspective; the construction of a new vision of human dignity, grounded in the contributions of Philosophy and Theology; and the need to complement these reflections by integrating the scientific, environmental, social and political dimensions.
By promoting an integrated understanding of environmental, social, economic and cultural challenges, the PhD in Integral Ecology prepares researchers, decision-makers and leaders to operate in contexts that are increasingly complex and interdependent. Its graduates may work in universities and research centers, public bodies, international organizations, companies, NGOs and civil society entities, contributing to the definition of policies, strategies and innovative solutions that address the challenges of sustainability, social justice and human development.
