Exam 13: Extending Ethics

Hawken thinks that a certain kind of capitalism can be sustainable and thus ecologically responsible. Do you agree or do you think with several authors in Chapters 10 and 11, that capitalism is, in general, unsustainable? Explain your answer with specific references to those earlier chapters.

Hiebert argues that the biblical texts about creation in Genesis 1 and 2 mandate a strong environmental ethic as part of the "human vocation." Critics of this view argue instead that "dominion" inevitably means domination. How might Hiebert respond to such criticism? What would you say to them if asked to explain these texts?

Hiebert argues that human dominion implies human domination and superiority.

Where, according to Shiva, did the development model go wrong?

Which of the following best describes McKibben's view?

Hawken says, "The cornucopia of resources that are being extracted, mined, and harvested is so poorly distributed that 20 percent of the earth's people are chronically hungry or starving, while the top 20 percent of the population, largely in the north, control and consume __________ percent of the world's wealth."

What aspect of this reading is most new or most startling to you? Why?

Are you persuaded by the overall argument given by McKibben, as to the problem we face, how we've changed Earth into Eaarth, and what the solutions must be? Why or why not?

What do you think Oliver means when she writes that "the world offers itself to your imagination" and that we should be "harsh and exciting," announcing our place "in the family of things"? How do we do this, morally speaking? What do you think she means by "the family of things"? What do you think is your place in the "family of things"?

On balance, do you think that religious texts and teachings provide useful tools for addressing environmental problems and concerns? Why or why not? Is it good to approach nature convinced of the "sacredness" of "creation"? Or does such an attitude confuse or distort what should be a more pragmatic inquiry? Explain and support your answer with specific examples.

Leopold writes, "All ethics so far evolved rest upon a single premise." What is this premise?

Taylor's "biocentric outlook" places nonhuman animals on par with human beings.

Can you think of other scriptural text, such as the Qur'an, that might be seen to support a robust environmental ethics? Which specific passages and imperatives do you have in mind? Are there other possible interpretations?

According to Hiebert, the image that has determined most Christian thought about the human vocation is the image of __________.

Hawken presents twelve "design strategies" for a sustainable future. Choose for of these strategies, restate them, and assess their feasibility and utility.

Hiebert notes that the concept of human dominion is often discussed with little attention to the historical context which gave rise to it.

What does Taylor say about the supposed superiority of humans?

What is the central thesis of the biocentric view, according to Taylor?

Oliver says that whoever you are, the world offers itself to your imagination.

Shiva also argues that the impoverishment affects women, children, and the environment more harshly than it does men. Again, summarize her arguments and evidence. Do you find them compelling? Why or why not? If she is correct, how should international policies change to address this issue?