Reference no: EM133489275

Problem

Students are expected to defend a significant thesis by providing arguments in favour of the thesis and considering objections to it. Students are advised to choose a topic from the list below. Essays should be no longer than 2000 words (6-8 pages in length, double-spaced, 12 font) not including the bibliography and title page. Each term paper should include a bibliography with at least five sources. There is no specified format for the final paper. Students can choose MLA or APA format as long as the paper is written in first person. All term papers are due by July 31*. As per course policy, late submissions will not be accepted. Students are reminded to review the policy on Academic Dishonesty which is provided on the course syllabus.

List of Approved Topics

Question 1. Provide an overview of a culturally plausible theory towards protecting the natural environment. You can choose to review one cultural approach (perhaps, your own or another that you find appealing) and design a position that defends the usefulness of the approach by providing a well-organized rationale.

Question 2. Are religious doctrines useful in the development of an environmental ethic? Write an essay that focusses on one (or two) religious approaches to the environment and develop a position that defends the tenets of the doctrine as you interpret them.

Question 3. Write an essay about the morality of field research on animals.

Question 4. In your paper, consider the following questions: Is it morally permissible to capture, sedate, radio collar, take blood samples from an endangered species like the polar bear? What kinds of ethical guidelines should researchers be following in this type of research? Is killing birds (and other animals) for museum specimens morally justifiable? Provide a comprehensive rationale for your position.

Question 5. Write an essay about the aesthetic value of nature. Are moral agents expected to appreciate nature? How might the appreciation of nature be different from the aesthetic appreciation of art in a museum? Is nature always beautiful?

Question 6. Provide a comprehensive rationale for your position.

Question 7. Many people believe that domesticated animals are different than 'wild' animals. Should someone who believes in animal rights reject the institution of pet ownership? Is it morally acceptable to own a domesticated animal? Share your perspective on this topic and support your position with a balance of academic sources.

Question 8. Provide an examination of Indigenous attitudes toward nature.

Question 9. How are they different from the traditional Western European approach toward nature? What can we learn from the Indigenous (First Nations) nersnectives towards the natural environment?