Environmental Ethics
Moral Conversation Project
Discussion Topics
Note: See the final page of the syllabus for
directions on the Moral Conversation Project.
1. What are your views on global warming? How much of a concern is it? What if anything should be done about it? How optimistic are you that your recommendations, or something like them, will be followed?
2. Read through the material at http://www.suv.org/environ.html on SUVs and the environment. Then read “In Defense of Gas-Guzzling.” (Optional: Click here for a related pro-SUV piece.) How many people do you know who drive SUVs? What are your thoughts on driving SUVs?
3. Many of the issues we have studied in this course involve scientific controversies. Few laypeople have the time or inclination to master the technical issues involved in scientific controversies. What implications, if any, do you think this has for our democratic system of government, which in principle vests ultimate political power in laypeople? What if anything should be done about this? How do you personally stay informed on scientific issues? Whom do you trust?