Define the main forms of pollution and resource depletion and identify the major problems associated with each form.
Compare and contrast the views of (a) an ecological ethic, (b) Blackstone’s ethic of environmental rights, and (c) a utilitarian ethic of pollution control. Which view seems to you to be the more adequate? Explain your answer.
Do you agree with the claims that (a) future generations have no rights, and (2) the future generations to which we have obligations actually include only the generation that will immediately succeed us? Explain your answer.
Do you agree that any pollution law is unjust because it necessarily violates people’s right to liberty and right to property?
In your judgement, should the major decisions on pollution and resource depletion be made by government experts? By scientific experts? By everyone?
You will need to provide moral arguments in support of your opinions and answers to those questions.
Remember the five factors of interest in your discussion with these issues:
Analyze arguments showing reasons given (rules, principles, beliefs) for decision made by the principals involved;
Isolate the central issue(s) you believe at stake in the case;
Explore the moral perspective demonstrated or argued;
Explain any criticisms you might have of how it was handled and why: was there a lack of logic or should better reasons have been given or was something overlooked?; and
Indicate your own moral posture giving at least two solid reasons for your conclusion.
Just as before, your paper must contain an overview, an analysis, and a response: The overview will describe the situation and the context of the case study. The analysis focuses on the primary moral/philosophical arguments or reasons that might lie behind the resolutions made of the case — e.g., utilitarian, rights, justice, caring. The response is your reflection upon the adequacy or supportability of those arguments. Thus, both research and personal reflections are involved. Remember to address the following points:
What are the Facts?
What are the Ethical Issues?
Who are the Stakeholders?
What are the Alternatives?
What are the Ethical Arguments for the Alternatives? Here you want to bring in Utilitarian, Rights, Justice, and Care arguments for and against.
What are the Practical Constraints?
What Actions Ought to be Taken?
Your written analysis should be a minimum of 2-4 pages in length, using 12-font, double-spaced, with 1 inch margins
