Reference no: EM133196597 , Length: Word count: 2 Pages

Assignment Task: Answer each of the questions below. 

For each question, your answer should be no shorter than one page single-spaced/two pages double-spaced and no longer than 2 pages single space/4 pages double-spaced.

Question 1: One of the overarching themes from this second half of the semester has been the "Tragedy of the Commons". 

A. In your own words, describe what is meant by the phrase "tragedy of the commons"

B. Select TWO of the ethical principles listed below. Explain the ethical dilemma(s) associated with your selections and describe how the tragedy of commons as defined in your answer above supports and infringes upon these principles.

i. Environmental Justice

ii. Intrinsic value

iii. Preservation

iv. Restoration

v. Food ethics

Question 2: As a final class activity, each student group was assigned a controversy in environmental ethics in which they provided a presentation supporting a specific stance on this controversy.

A. Regardless of the stance you were assigned for your controversy, choose the stance for your controversy that you believe best supports the principles of environmental ethics.

B. Summarize the reason for choosing this stance by describing the ethical principles that are supported.

C. Describe any principles that you believe are violated with the stance you have chosen. Are there methods or approaches that would minimize the risk of violating these principles?  If so, how? If not, why not?

Question 3: Glyphosate is an herbicide (commonly known as Roundup) that revolutionized the farming industry through the effective control of weedy vegetation and subsequent maximization of crop yield.  This has largely been a result of Monsanto (the makers of Roundup) providing genetically modified crop seeds that are resistant to glyphosate ("Roundup ready" crops).  This has allowed farmers to plant and grow vast crop monocultures and apply glyphosate without fear of damaging target crops.  Also, much of the research that has been conducted on the human health and environmental effects of Roundup, which has led to the vast majority of associated governmental regulations, have been funded by Monsanto. 

A. Describe a 'positive' and a 'negative' ethical outcome of this situation from an anthropocentric point of view.

B. Describe a 'positive' and a 'negative' ethical outcome of this situation from anbiocentric point of view.

C. Describe a 'positive' and a 'negative' ethical outcome of this situation from an biocentric point of view.

Make sure to describe each point of view and identify who/what has moral standing in each.