In Weeks 5 and 6 we tackle a wide variety of topics relevant to environmental ethics ranging from animal ethics, food ethics, poverty, politics, and the responsibility of scientists, to wilderness and the built environment.
In this forum discussion, we consider justifications in environmental ethics, which really ties together how humans and nature engage.
To get us started on this topic, consider how humans manage the environment, including through environmental policy, law, and regulation.
In your posts, consider not only the approaches and theories in environmental ethics covered over the past several weeks but also the legal constraints or considerations in your discussions this week.
Select one of the following topics to lead a discussion, and it is OK if several students select the same topic since it is rare that students have identical views and interests for each of these topics.
Please be sure to let us know which topic you are covering in your title.
If you can, offer a catchy, interesting title to encourage readers.
Does an introduced species have less value than a native species?
Does a restored landscape have less value than a pristine environment?
Does a common species have the same rights as a rare or endangered species?
Does an animal raised for human food have the same rights as a wild animal?
Is it ethical to feed the world population through genetic engineering?
What responsibilities do scientists have in sharing their findings beyond the scientific community?
What role should environmental policy play in addressing environmental justice?
Craft your response using concepts of value and major approaches and/or theories in environmental ethics.
While there is no right or wrong answer to these questions, your discussion should be supported with reference to readings and philosophers from the field of environmental ethics.
Initial Post Due: Sunday, Week 5 11:55 pm ET
Responses and Replies Due: Sunday, Week 6 11:55 pm ET
**note these are due dates - if you make replies and responses in Weeks 5 and 6, that is fine and encouraged, these are just deadlines for week endings, not restrictions on also engaging in discussion in Week 5.
Rubrics