Phil 245

Issues In Applied Ethics

Section CY-001 - Environmental Ethics

Research paper (100 pts.)

In the later half the semester have have studies various candidates for a new, fully environmental ethic. These candidates include Biocentric Ethics, The Land Ethic or some other version of an ecocentric ethic, Deep Ecology, Social Ecology, and Ecofeminism. Your assignment is to pick one of these candidates and write an paper that includes the following: 

1. a full description of the position, including any variations within it held by different ethicists.

2. an analysis of how the ethical position would deal with one of the many environmental issues we have discussed in class. Such issues include: pollution of air or water, overpopulation of humans, biologic impoverishment, resource depletion, limitations to energy production, conflicts between domestic and wild species, massive species extinction, or some other environmental issue that is of interest to you. You should show how the ethic would respond to or deal with the issue, what strengths and merits the approach would have and any weaknesses or limitations it would have.

3. an evaluation of the overall strengths and weaknesses of the ethic itself. Include here a discussion of what it is about the ethic that makes you or keeps you from being a supporter of that ethic.

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 (cite 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.

These answers are to be typed in standard paper format. The answers are due in my office (Rm CY-2022-J) no later than 6PM, Dec. 16. I will, of course, be willing to read rough drafts or sections of anything you wish to write.