Environmental Ethics

Fall 1996

Dr. Frasz

Final Paper Assignment (100 pts)

You are to write a critical paper examining one of the following current theories of environmental ethics:

Biocentric or Pluralistic Environmental Ethics (Taylor,Schwitzer, et al.)

The Holistic Land Ethic (Leopold, Callicott, Rolston, et al.)

Deep Ecology (Naess, Sessions, et al.)

Social Ecology (Bookchin, et al.)

Ecofeminism (Warren, Cheney, et al.)

This should be a combination research and evaluative paper, one that explicates the position and evaluates the position. By explicate I mean you describe the main themes, arguments, ideas, claims, and history of the position, showing a deep understanding of the position beyond that revealed in the text. Furthermore, you are to show what kind of analysis/solution this position would give to a specific environmental problem. (For instance, how would a deep ecologist analyze the creation of zoos and buisness that provide the public viewing of animals away from their normal habitat?) By evaluation I mean you critically evaluate the arguments, reasons, claims that the philosopical position uses to justify, support, and defend its view. In this section I want you to come to a personal evaluation of the position. I want you to defend why you think the position is or is not a good basis for an environmental ethic. Why do you accept or reject the position? Don't forget to discuss the implications for you if you accept of reject the position. A possible paper outline is:

Introduction

Description of the position

Analysis of an environmental problem by this position

Critical Evaluation of the position

Conclusion and discussion of personal implications

from accepting or rejecting the position

In presenting the ethic I want you to do more than summarize the chapter in DesJardines. You should demonstrate to me a familiarity with original sources and significant critical articles. In other words, I want to see research reflected in the answer. Your answer you should show to me the depth of your understanding of the issues. This will include showing me your understanding of the positions of various thinkers, the arguments for different positions, the strengths and weaknesses of each, etc. When you describe your position be sure to show your understanding of possible challenges or problems to your position and how you answer these challenges. In grading these papers I look for breadth and depth, accuracy, and clarity. That is, when I read your answers I am not looking only for clear writing but also the following:

a. specific illustrative examples from key readings (cited appropriately)

b. correct use of technical vocabulary (eg. intrinsic value, moral consideration)

c. coherent expression of basic lines of reasoning for various positions

d. explanations of the meaning all important claims

e. explicit definitions of key terms and concepts

f. detail sufficient to indicate familiarity with the entire relevant set of readings we have had as they pertain to the questions.

These questions are your opportunity demonstrate your full understanding of these broad topics, as well as your access to secondary sources, and other materials mentioned in the text. This paper is to be at least 10 pages in length. It is to be typed in standard format utilizing polished English. These answers are to be typed in standard paper format. The answers are due in my office (Rm CY-2022-J) no later than 7:30PM , Dec. 18. I will, of course, be willing to read rough drafts or sections of anything you wish to write.