Applying Theory: Environmental Issues
The goal of this assignment is to apply an ethical theory to a real-world situation. You will examine an environmental issue, and apply one of the ethical theories to understand how human interactions with the natural environment raise ethical concerns. You will use the philosophical theory of Utilitarianism on the topic of Waste reduction.
a. Consider the following questions pertaining to Utilitarianism:
◦ What does the theory tell us about how things operate in the real world?
◦ What is the focus of the theory? That is, what aspects of everyday life does the theory address? Another way to think about this is to consider what question(s) the theory is addressing?
◦ The focus (or questions) help you think about the topical boundaries of the theory―this course is about ethics and social responsibility and you should concentrate on the ethical and moral aspects of the theory and of the topic you are analyzing. It may help to think in terms of different realms or institutions―does the theory help to explain people’s behavior from a political perspective? From an economic perspective? From a religious perspective? From an ethical perspective? Try to sort through everything that does not represent an ethical question, and address only the ethical issues.
◦ How does the theory simplify complex issues to make them more understandable? Another way to think about this is to consider what the elements―or concepts―that make up the theory are. Identify the concepts and how they are related to each other.
b.Develop an argument that addresses your question. Build your argument by writing nine sentences. Each sentence should make one important point about the ethical aspects of the environmental issue you are analyzing. Make sure your argument focuses on ethical arguments, and avoids personal opinion, or arguments based on politics, economics, religion, or topics other than ethics.
WASTE REDUCTION IN THE UTILITARIAN POINT OF VIEW
Question to be addressed: Does waste reduction create a greater collective well being for our communities?
Point 1: A utilitarian might argue that although some waste reduction can be time consuming and come at a greater cost it does reduce our carbon footprint, and thus a greater collective good can be obtained for everyone’s future.
Utilitarian point of view –
A consequentialist ethical theory that evaluates claims in terms of their outcomes, and to the extent these outcomes generate the greatest benefits for the greatest number. The utilitarian might argue that a relatively small decrease in happiness brought about by the tax creates an increase in happiness for a very large number of people, and thus is the correct thing to do (Mosser 2013).
Point 2: Reducing our consumption, reusing our materials, and recycling that which we no longer use are three key steps to waste reduction (EPA, 2012).
· Waste – Anything that is useless after use
· The EPA (2012) states, “By recycling your waste, you reduce the amount of materials that need to be manufactured and, thus, reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Reducing and diverting food waste and yard waste reduces methane emissions in landfills. Methane is another, even stronger greenhouse gas. “
Point 3: Reducing our consumption, reusing our materials, and recycling that which we no longer use are three key steps to waste reduction (EPA, 2012).
· “By recycling your waste, you reduce the amount of materials that need to be manufactured and, thus, reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Reducing and diverting food waste and yard waste reduces methane emissions in landfills. Methane is another, even stronger greenhouse gas.”
· “Between 1960 and 2007, the quantity of waste created by the average American doubled from 2.7 to 4.6 pounds per day. The most effective way to stop this trend is by preventing waste in the first place, by reducing the amount of materials we use and reusing materials when possible. Recycling and purchasing goods made from recycled products are also important strategies. Avoiding and properly managing hazardous wastes is also essential.
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References:
Mosser, K. (2013). Ethics and social responsibility (2nd ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
Last updated on December 19, 2012
Reducing Waste
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