Question 1

Leopold compares Odysseus' killing of the slave girls with __________.
A) Our lack of a land ethics, for just as Odysseus viewed the slave girls as property, we view land as property
B) The killing of animals raised in factory farming
C) The consumption of animals raised in factory farming
D) The inhumane treatment of animals in factory farming

Accepted Answer

Aldo Leopold, in his discussions on environmental ethics, particularly in "A Sand County Almanac," draws a parallel between Odysseus' killing of the slave girls and our contemporary lack of a land ethic. He suggests that just as Odysseus viewed the slave girls as property to be disposed of at will, modern society often views land as mere property, neglecting the intrinsic value and interconnectedness of all living things within an ecosystem. This comparison is used to highlight the need for a shift in perspective towards a more ethical and sustainable relationship with the natural world.

Question 2

How does Naess characterize "deep" ecology?
A) A view which rejects man as the center of the universe thesis
B) A view which calls for the equality of all living things
C) A view which promotes diversity and symbiosis
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

A

Question 3

Taylor's "biocentric outlook" places nonhuman animals on par with human beings.

Accepted Answer

Taylor's biocentric outlook argues that all living beings, including nonhuman animals, have inherent worth and should be considered morally significant, placing them on par with human beings in terms of their value.

Question 4

What is the central thesis of the biocentric view, according to Taylor?
A) Humans are members of the Earth's community of life, as are all non-human members
B) The Earth's ecosystem is viewed as a complex web of interconnected elements
C) Each organism is viewed as a teleological center of life, pursuing its own good in its own way
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

The central thesis of the biocentric view, as articulated by Taylor, encompasses all of the listed options: it posits humans as members of Earth's community of life alongside non-human entities, views the Earth's ecosystem as a complex web of interconnected elements, and considers each organism as a teleological center of life, pursuing its own good in its own way.

Question 5

Naess takes issue with the term "shallow ecology" in that it insinuates that those who do not jump on the environmentalist bandwagon are "shallow".

Accepted Answer

The answer of Naess takes issue with the term "shallow...

Question 6

Naess advocates shallow ecology.

Accepted Answer

Arne Naess is known for advocating deep ecology, which emphasizes profound, systemic changes in society and consciousness to address environmental issues, in contrast to shallow ecology that focuses on fighting pollution and resource depletion without challenging underlying societal values.

Question 7

What does Taylor say about the supposed superiority of humans?
A) Human animals are superior to non-human animals because we possess skills that they lack: the capacity to reason, etc.
B) Human animals are superior to non-human animals because only humans possess moral agency.
C) Human beings have intrinsic moral worth, whereas non-human animals are valuable only as a means to an end-or end.
D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Taylor argues against the traditional view that humans are superior to non-human animals based on certain capacities like reason or moral agency. He emphasizes a more egalitarian view of the natural world, suggesting that all living beings have intrinsic worth, not just humans.

Question 8

Taylor argues that plants and animals have inherent worth.

Accepted Answer

Paul Taylor's biocentric outlook argues that all living beings, including plants and animals, have inherent worth simply because they are alive, advocating for a respect for nature that recognizes the value of all living organisms.

Question 9

What does Naess refer to as "shallow" ecology?
A) A view which is primarily designed to fight pollution.
B) A view that deals specifically with resource depletion
C) A view whose primary objective is the health and affluence of people in developed countries.
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Naess refers to "shallow" ecology as an environmental perspective focused on fighting pollution, addressing resource depletion, and primarily concerned with the health and affluence of people in developed countries. This approach contrasts with "deep" ecology, which advocates for a more holistic and intrinsic value of nature beyond human interests.

Question 10

Leopold's primary argument is that there has been a moral evolution insofar as human beings have gradually expanded their moral consideration to people different from themselves. Do you see a reason why the expansion should not extend beyond human beings? Is so, what is it? How do you think Leopold might respond to your objection?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Leopold's primary argument is that there has...

Question 11

What does Leopold identify as the core flaw in a conservation system based wholly on economics?
A) The fact that conservation is not always in business' best interest
B) The fact that most members of the land-community have no economic value
C) The fact that ownership is transient, changing hands from one generation to the next.
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Leopold argues that a conservation system based solely on economics is flawed because it fails to recognize the intrinsic value of many elements of the land-community that do not have direct economic value.

Question 12

Leopold writes that the "extension of ethics, so far studied only by philosophers, is actually a process of __________."
A) Transference
B) Association
C) Adaptation
D) Ecological evolution

Accepted Answer

The answer of Leopold writes that the "extension of ethics,...

Question 13

Naess distinguishes between what he calls "shallow" ecology and "deep" ecology.

Accepted Answer

Arne Naess, a Norwegian philosopher, introduced the distinction between "shallow" ecology, which focuses on fighting pollution and resource depletion for the benefit of humans, and "deep" ecology, which emphasizes intrinsic value in nature and advocates for a profound transformation in human attitudes and practices towards the environment.

Question 14

Taylor contrasts "human-centered" and "life-centered" systems of environmental ethics. Describe the differences between these two systems as he describes them and the justifications for each. Which is based on the best reasons? Why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Taylor contrasts "human-centered" and "life-centered" systems of...

Question 15

Restate in your own words the two ways that Leopold thinks people view the natural world. Is this division too simple, or are there other possible positions? Explain. Which position, A or B, do you find more reasonable? Why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Restate in your own words the two...

Question 16

Taylor denies that human beings are superior to nonhuman animals.

Accepted Answer

Charles Taylor, a prominent philosopher, has argued against the idea that humans are inherently superior to nonhuman animals, emphasizing moral consideration for all beings.

Question 17

Leopold calls for the development of a "land ethic"-an ethic dealing with man's relation to land.

Accepted Answer

Aldo Leopold, in his book "A Sand County Almanac," advocates for a "land ethic," which emphasizes the moral responsibility of humans to the natural world, including soils, waters, plants, and animals, or collectively: the land.

Question 18

Leopold writes, "All ethics so far evolved rest upon a single premise." What is this premise?
A) That one can be held accountable only for actions that are voluntary
B) That is implies ought
C) That man is created in the image of God.
D) That man is a member of a community

Accepted Answer

Leopold's premise is that man is a member of a community, which forms the basis for his land ethic, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humans and the natural world.

Question 19

The "biocentric outlook on nature" has four main components, according to Taylor. What are they? Do you agree with any or all parts of this outlook? Which parts and why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The "biocentric outlook on nature" has four...

Question 20

Taylor argues that human superiority in relation to the rest of nature cannot be affirmed. Do you think that his argument succeeds or fails? Why? What is at stake, and what is the value of claiming the superiority of human beings?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Taylor argues that human superiority in relation...

Quiz 13: Extending Ethics

Leopold compares Odysseus' killing of the slave girls with __________.

How does Naess characterize "deep" ecology?

Taylor's "biocentric outlook" places nonhuman animals on par with human beings.

What is the central thesis of the biocentric view, according to Taylor?

Naess takes issue with the term "shallow ecology" in that it insinuates that those who do not jump on the environmentalist bandwagon are "shallow".

Naess advocates shallow ecology.

What does Taylor say about the supposed superiority of humans?

Taylor argues that plants and animals have inherent worth.

What does Naess refer to as "shallow" ecology?

What does Leopold identify as the core flaw in a conservation system based wholly on economics?

Leopold writes that the "extension of ethics, so far studied only by philosophers, is actually a process of __________."