Megan Montoya Environmental Ethics Lab Report
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Environmental Ethics Lab Report
Case 1: Condor Case
Task 1
To understand key aspects of a strong case response, use the rubrics below to evaluate each sample essay. This is the same rubric that will be used to grade the essays you will later submit as part of this lab report.
On the “Lab Instructions” page of Canvas, you will find written versions of the two Condor Case responses that Cassandra Lyon worked through in your pre-class videos. Follow the instructions on this “Lab Instructions” page, read each essay, and indicate how well you think each task was completed by highlighting the relevant cell in the rubrics below. When you’re done, you should have one cell highlighted in each row on the rubric. Response I: Animal Rights
Tasks
Excellent (1.5 points)
Developing Skill (1 point)
Needs Improvement (.5 points)
Missing/Absent (0 points)
1. Formulate an ethics argument in response to the case questions
Your paper has an ethics argument supported using the concepts outlined in the readings and lectures.
Your paper's argument
is briefly mentioned but
is not supported.
Your argument is unclear and not tied to ethical reasoning, it does not respond to the case questions.
There is no argument in response to the case questions.
2. Identify one or two ethical perspective(s) and the key points or focus of each one with appropriate citations
You clearly identify one or more ethical perspective(s), explain their key points or focus, and include citation.
You identify the ethical perspective(s), but not relevant key points or the focus of each one. Citation may be missing.
You do not clearly define any ethical perspective(s), or they are mentioned by name,
but the focus isn’t explained.
No ethical perspectives or their key points are identified.
3. Explain how the perspective(s) support a decision in the case
You give multiple examples that show how the perspective(s) help you make a decision in the case.
You give an example that is relevant to the case and the perspective(s).
You do not give clear examples or explanation
of how the ethical perspectives relate to the case questions.
There is no explanation of how the ethical perspective(s) support a decision in the case.
4. Discuss limitations of the decisions supported by the chosen ethical perspective(s) with appropriate citations
You explicitly mention and discuss limitations of the decision, provide citations for
limits, and the limits relate them back to the perspective(s).
You mention limitations, but don’t connect them back to the ethical perspectives. Citation may be missing.
You bring up one limitation, but do not tie it back to the ethical perspectives.
No limitations are mentioned or explained.
5. Writing mechanics Any writing or spelling errors are minor. Your essay is There are some There are many
Tasks
Excellent (1.5 points)
Developing Skill (1 point)
Needs Improvement (.5 points)
Missing/Absent (0 points)
and length
divided into paragraphs, uses 12-point font, is double spaced, and meets length requirement.
spelling, writing, or grammar issues.
spelling, writing, and grammar issues.
Response II: Respect for Nature
Tasks
Excellent (1.5 points)
Developing Skill (1 point)
Needs Improvement (.5 points)
Missing/Absent (0 points)
1.
Formulate an ethics argument in response to the case questions
Your paper has an ethics argument supported using the concepts outlined in the readings and lectures.
Your paper's argument
is briefly mentioned but
is not supported.
Your argument is unclear and not tied to ethical reasoning, it does not respond to the case questions.
There is no argument in response to the case questions.
2.
Identify one or two ethical perspective(s) and the key points or focus of each one with appropriate citations
You clearly identify one or more ethical perspective(s), explain their key points or focus, and include citation.
You identify the ethical perspective(s), but not relevant key points or the focus of each one. Citation may be missing.
You do not clearly define any ethical perspective(s), or they are mentioned by name,
but the focus isn’t explained.
No ethical perspectives or their key points are identified.
3.
Explain how the perspective(s) support a decision in the case
You give multiple examples that show how the perspective(s) help you make a decision in the case.
You give an example that is relevant to the case and the perspective(s).
You do not give clear examples or explanation
of how the ethical perspectives relate to the case questions.
There is no explanation of how the ethical perspective(s) support a decision in the case.
4.
Discuss limitations of the decisions supported by the chosen ethical perspective(s) with appropriate citations
You explicitly mention and discuss limitations of the decision, provide citations for
limits, and the limits relate them back to the perspective(s).
You mention limitations, but don’t connect them back to the ethical perspectives. Citation may be missing.
You bring up one limitation, but do not tie it back to the ethical perspectives.
No limitations are mentioned or explained.
5.
Writing mechanics and length
Any writing or spelling errors are minor. Your essay is divided into paragraphs, uses 12-point font, is double spaced, and meets length requirement.
There are some spelling, writing, or grammar issues.
There are many spelling, writing, and grammar issues.
Task 2
Next, you will complete a Case Worksheet using the pre-written animal rights perspective essay. This worksheet will guide you through outlining a case response essay.
On the “Lab Instructions” page of Canvas, you will find a completed Case Worksheet for an animal rights perspective response to the Condor Case that has been color-coded for review.
Follow the instructions on this “Lab Instructions” page to review this color-coded essay worksheet and essay. Then, use the essay written from a respect for nature perspective to
complete the case response development worksheet below.
Case Worksheet
This worksheet walks you through writing a case response. First answer questions 1-6. Then, use your answers to 3, 4, and 5 to construct your response.
1.
In one sentence, restate the question that your paragraph will answer.
How should people respond to the possible extinction of the California conductors?
2.
What ethical perspective will you use to respond to this question?
Respect for Nature 3.
Answer the question from #1 in a couple sentences, using the perspective from #2 (this is your thesis):
To keep California conductors from going extinct, scientists should capture the California conductors, breed them, then release from captivity while managing the species. Why is that your answer? List at least two key ideas or reasonings that support your response.
a. The perspective allows intervention from humans, to maintain the health of the ecosystem. b. The ecosystem will suffer if the California conductors go extinct. c. We can protect the health of the ecosystem by putting the conductors in captivity rather than protecting their habitat. d. even though some California conductors will live in captivity, it will be easier to protect the ecosystem. 4.
What are the limitations of this ethical perspective? Or what things are not addressed in this perspective?
The limitations of this ethical perspective deal with the goals of a species as the ecosystem changes over time which means human assumptions can be inaccurate. 5.
Does your argument suggest a course of action in this case based on reasoning from your chosen ethical perspective? If not (for example, your argument is that we need to look at the evidence and make a decision), reconsider your answers and revise this worksheet.
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The conductors should be held then bred to in captivity, then released back into the
ecosystem. Case 2: Nu2 Lupi Prime Ecosystem Collapse
Task 1
For this next case, you will craft a case response essay from a completed Case Worksheet.
On the “Lab Instructions” page of Canvas, you will find the Nu2 Lupi Prime Case details. Review the case, then access the completed Case Worksheet written from a utilitarianism perspective. Use this utilitarian perspective to write a case response essay, keeping in mind the guidelines below.
Case response essay
The case response should be an essay with: 1.
An introduction that ends with your thesis (#3 in the case response worksheet), 2.
A paragraph that explains your argument (based on #4 from the case response worksheet), 3.
A paragraph that addresses limits to your argument (#5 from the worksheet), and 4.
A short summary or conclusion paragraph.
Use this area to write your utilitarianism case response essay:
The question that needs to be addressed is how the overgrazing in the Nu2 Lupi Prime ecosystem should. Which has a direct correlation to the starvation and deaths of the herbivories. This response will use a utilitarianism perspective. The utilitarianism perspective supports intervention if it is best
for the overall ecosystem and won’t cause harm to the species in the ecosystem. The best way to handle the starvation has two separate options, increase the food supply, or reduce the number of herbivories in a way that causes less harm than the actual starvation. The utilitarianism focuses on the greater good of the entire ecosystem rather than just the animals or the ecosystem. When considering action to the animals or the ecosystem we must consider the other to make the best decision for the group overall. As the welfare of the animals and the ecosystem are equally important in this perspective. The goal of utilitarianism is to limit the pain and suffering or harm and create the best outcome The reason intervention is allowed due to the herbivories being in pain from the starvation, to follow the focus of this specific perspective
limiting the amount of harm to the herbivories must be done. To limit the most amount of harm done to the herbivories there are multiple things that need to be done. Firstly, growing the food supply to support the increasing number of herbivories would be the most ideal option as it would cause the least amount of suffering. The other options would be to limit the amount of birth numbers or adding predators to create a more humane form of death rather than letting them starve.
There are still limitations to the utilitarianism perspective, although wanting the best possible outcome for a species is not a bad thing it is not always the best course of action. In a lot of situations, the best outcome for one species may not be the best for another as these situations are subject to change. Due to this issue small groups within a species may take the consequences for the good of the majority. For example, are there other species going to be hurt by the predators who
are limiting the suffering of the herbivores? Will increasing the food supply lead to starvation of another species? There is no way to create the best possible outcome for one species without hurting another. This a one of the biggest limitations for utilitarianism. Using the utilitarianism perspective and wanting the least amount of harm for the species as a whole the herbivores, should captures to limit the number of births, the food supply should be increased, or predators should be added to the area to limit the amount of suffering to the herbivores. Task 2
After writing your case response essay, use the rubric below to indicate how well you think
each task was completed. When you’re done, you should have one cell highlighted in each rubric row.
Tasks
Excellent (1.5 points)
Developing Skill (1 point)
Needs Improvement (.5 points)
Missing/Absent (0 points)
1.
Formulate an ethics argument in Your paper has an ethics argument supported using Your paper's argument
is briefly mentioned but
Your argument is unclear and not tied to There is no argument in
Tasks
Excellent (1.5 points)
Developing Skill (1 point)
Needs Improvement (.5 points)
Missing/Absent (0 points)
response to the case questions
the concepts outlined in the readings and lectures.
is not supported.
ethical reasoning, it does not respond to the case questions.
response to the case questions.
2.
Identify one or two ethical perspective(s) and the key points or focus of each one with appropriate citations
You clearly identify one or more ethical perspective(s), explain their key points or focus, and include citation.
You identify the ethical perspective(s), but not relevant key points or the focus of each one. Citation may be missing.
You do not clearly define any ethical perspective(s), or they are mentioned by name,
but the focus isn’t explained.
No ethical perspectives or their key points are identified.
3.
Explain how the perspective(s) support a decision in the case
You give multiple examples that show how the perspective(s) help you make a decision in the case.
You give an example that is relevant to the case and the perspective(s).
You do not give clear examples or explanation
of how the ethical perspectives relate to the case questions.
There is no explanation of how the ethical perspective(s) support a decision in the case.
4.
Discuss limitations of the decisions supported by the chosen ethical perspective(s) with appropriate citations
You explicitly mention and discuss limitations of the decision, provide citations for
limits, and the limits relate them back to the perspective(s).
You mention limitations, but don’t connect them back to the ethical perspectives. Citation may be missing.
You bring up one limitation, but do not tie it back to the ethical perspectives.
No limitations are mentioned or explained.
5.
Writing mechanics and length
Any writing or spelling errors are minor. Your essay is divided into paragraphs, uses 12-point font, is double spaced, and meets length requirement.
There are some spelling, writing, or grammar issues.
There are many spelling, writing, and grammar issues.
Task 3
Your final task for the Nu2 Lupi Prime Collapse Case is to think through a response from a
different ethical perspective. Develop a second response to this case using either the animal rights perspective or the respect for nature perspective by completing the Case Worksheet below.
For this specific task, you are only required to complete the worksheet; do not write an essay.
Case Worksheet
This worksheet walks you through writing a case response. First answer questions 1-6. Then, use your answers to 3, 4, and 5 to construct your response.
1.
In one sentence, restate the question that your paragraph will answer.
What should be our response to the overgrazing crisis which is causing starvation of the herbivores.
2.
What ethical perspective will you use to respond to this question?
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Utilitarianism 3.
Answer the question from #1 in a couple sentences, using the perspective from #2 (this is your thesis):
The best way to handle the starvation has two separate options, increase the food supply, or reduce the number of herbivories in a way that causes less harm than the actual starvation.
4.
Why is that your answer? List at least two key ideas or reasonings that support your response.
a. The utilitarianism focuses on the greater good of the entire ecosystem rather than just the animals or the ecosystem. When considering action to the animals or the ecosystem we must consider the other to make the best decision for the group overall.
b. The reason intervention is allowed due to the herbivories being in pain from the starvation, to follow the focus of this specific perspective limiting the amount of harm to the herbivories must be done.
c. To stop the starvation of the herbivories growing the food supply to support the increasing number of herbivories would be the most ideal option as it would cause the least amount of suffering.
d. The other options to counter act the starvation would be to limit the amount of birth numbers or adding predators to create a more humane form of death rather than letting them starve.
5.
What are the limitations of this ethical perspective? Or, what things are not addressed in this perspective?
The limitation of this perspective is that the best outcome for one species may not be the best for another as these situations are subject to change. Due to this issue small groups within a species may take the consequences for the good of the majority.
6.
Does your argument suggest a course of action in this case based on reasoning from your chosen ethical perspective? If not (for example, your argument is that we need to look at the evidence and decide), reconsider your answers and revise this worksheet.
Yes, intervention is supported and necessary.
Case 3: Ecosystem Choices Case
Task 1
For this first task of the final case, you will select one of three cases, choose an ethical perspective, and complete the case worksheet below.
On the “Lab Instructions” page of Canvas, you will find the Ecosystem Choices Cases details. Review the cases, select one, then identify a perspective to outline an argument. Refer to the “Lab Instructions” page for additional details.
Case Worksheet
This worksheet walks you through writing a case response. First answer questions 1-6. Then, use your answers to 3, 4, and 5 to construct your response.
1.
In one sentence, restate the question that your paragraph will answer.
How should we respond to the new introduced species taking over the resources the original native species needed.
2.
What ethical perspective will you use to respond to this question?
Animal Rights perspective 3.
Answer the question from #1 in a couple sentences, using the perspective from #2 (this is your thesis):
To control the over population of the new species, the new species will be removed from the ecosystem, the originally species will be left their land and resources to breed and repopulate. This will be done supervised to make sure the species is able to repopulate. Once the species has repaired the damage another species will
be added to while making sure the original species is not hurt. 4.
Why is that your answer? List at least two key ideas or reasonings that support your response.
a. The animal rights perspective focuses on the fact that animals have basic rights due to their shared traits with humans and deserve to be free from any form of unethical behavior from humans. b. the original species is being hurt by the new introduced species, taking over the land and resources the original species needs. c. in this case indirect intervention is allowed but it will be done without catching the
animals to maintain their wellbeing and safety.
d. The action will be removing the original species and allowing the original species
to repopulate while replenishing any of the resources taken, supervising the species to make sure there are able to repopulate on their own. Possibly adding another species once, the damage has been reversed. 5.
What are the limitations of this ethical perspective? Or, what things are not addressed in this perspective?
Limitations of this perspective are that wanting rights for all animals may be a good thing but when it comes to making decisions with individual species vs endangered.
The species who needs the most help may not be the priority as this perspective wants all animals to be treated equally. 6.
Does your argument suggest a course of action in this case based on reasoning from your chosen ethical perspective? If not (for example, your argument is that we need to look at the evidence and make a decision), reconsider your answers and revise this worksheet.
Yes, intervention is needed in this case. Task 2
Write a case response essay, using the ideas outlined in your completed Ecosystem Choices Case Worksheet from the previous section.
Case response essay
The case response should be an essay with: 1.
An introduction that ends with your thesis (#3 in the case response worksheet), 2.
A paragraph that explains your argument (based on #4 from the case response worksheet), 3.
A paragraph that addresses limits to your argument (#5 from the worksheet), and 4.
A short summary or conclusion paragraph.
Use this area to write your ecosystem choices case response essay:
The question that needs to be addresses is How should we respond to the new introduced species taking over the resources the original native species needed. This has a direct correlation to the suffering of the original species whose land was taken over by the new introduced species. This response will use an animal rights perspective. The animal rights perspective supports intervention indirectly without harm to the animals themselves, or any animals also involved in the situation. The best way to handle the harm to the original animals is to remove the introduced species and put
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them in a new supporting environment and allowing the original species to repopulate themselves naturally. While making sure to not harm any animals in this process. The animal rights perspective supports the idea that animals share certain traits with humans and deserve to have the same respect and rights that humans do. Essentially treating animals like another human and being free form any unethical behavior from humans themselves. When considering this situation, we must consider the animals who were originally there and the animals who were put on this land and decide how to intervene without harming either species. In this case indirectly intervening with the original species and directly intervening with the new species is the best course of action. To help the original species as they are our focus while also considering the well-being of the other species, the new species will be removed from this ecosystem and placed into another environment suitable for them. The original species will be kept on their original land but will be supervised during this whole process to make sure nothing goes wrong. The resources missing will be replenished, and the original species will be left to repopulate on their own and heal
the damage that has been done. Once this process has finished another species may be added that is less invasive, due to the original species struggling on their own.
The limits to the animal rights perspective have to do with the fact that this perspective values all animals in the situation. An individual animal and an entire endangered species have the same level
of importance in this perspective regardless of which species needs the most help. This can cause entire populations of animals going extinct due to there being no priority on who get help first.
Using the animal rights perspective to help both populations of animals in this ecosystem. The original animals will stay on their original land and the introduced species will be removed. And put in a new supporting environment, allowing the original species to repopulate themselves naturally.