Phil 245

Issues In Applied Ethics

Section CY-001 - Environmental Ethics

Take Home Test #1 (75 pts.)

1. Explain in detail just what you understand environmental ethics to be. What makes this type of ethics environmental? What makes this type of thinking about the environment ethical? Be sure to include in your answer discussions about the applied/theoretical dimensions to the field and why theories of ethics are relevant in this field. Also compare and contrast the natural law, utilitarian and deontological ethical theories, assessing the strengths and weakness of each regarding environmental issues.

2. What arguments can be given for and against the view that we have duties or obligations to future generations or that future people have certain rights? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each position? What is your reasoned position on the question? (eg. I hold position x because of reasons a,b,c) If you hold that we do have such duties/obligations, what are they. What problems or challenges are there if you accept the position that we do have such duties? What response can be made to these challenges?

3. What duties, if any, do we have to nonhuman entities? What does it mean to say that some or all nonhuman entities have moral standing or deserve moral consideration? Do we have duties to some nonhuman entities but not to others? Do these entities have to be alive? Could a biological entity such as an ecosystem deserve moral standing or only the living creatures within the ecosystem? Be sure to spell out in your answers the specific arguments that can be given to give or deny moral standing to nonhuman entities. What is your considered position after reviewing the cases for and against ascribing rights, moral standing, or moral consideration to animals and other nonhuman entities? What actions would follow from accepting your position on this issue?

In your answers 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 the text and 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 enitre 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 by the beginning of class, Nov. 13.