First Paper Topics

Length: 4 pages min.

Due: Wed, Oct 2nd by midnight

Submit: via email to justin@oursanctuary.org

Format: Any

1. E. F. Schumacher argues that a Buddhist perspective on human happiness is incompatible with the premises of classical economics. What is his argument, and is his argument valid? If so, why? If not, why not?

2. How does the issue of sentience relate to the question of moral standing when determining our moral obligations to nature? What is the most plausible way to determine the concept of sentience?

3. How is pricing natural resources as stocks of ‘natural capital’ intended to help humans overcome environmental degradation? What problems does it pose? Is it an effective strategy?

4. Does value require a valuer? If so, why? If not, why not? How does question relate to the philosophical problem of understanding our moral duties to the natural world?

5. Do ecosystems have moral standing? If not, why not, If so, why?

6. Is it wrong to cut down a tree?

7. Explain the similarities and differences between sentientism, biocentrism and ecocentrism. Which position most plausibly captures our moral obligations to the natural world? Why?

8. Do rivers have rights? Examine and evaluation Jens Benohr and Patrick Lynch’s argument in "Should Rivers Have Rights?

9. Is the Earth Sacred? If so, what does that mean? If not, why not?

10. Choose your own topic, just run it by me first.