Question 1

Sinnott-Armstrong claims that there is no way to identify any particular victim(s) of wasteful driving in normal circumstances. Which principle does this undermine as a basis for the wrongness of driving unnecessarily?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Sinnott-Armstrong claims that there is no way...

Question 2

Which of the following is not one of the moral principles discussed by Sinnott-Armstrong?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is not one...

Question 3

Which of these statements best summarizes Sinnott-Armstrong's conclusion in his paper?

Accepted Answer

Sinnott-Armstrong argues that while it may be desirable for individuals to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, they are not currently morally obligated to do so. This is because such reductions would involve significant individual burdens, while the most effective solutions require systemic changes at a societal and governmental level. Therefore, the burden of responsibility lies primarily with institutions and policymakers rather than individuals.

Question 4

Explain and discuss Sinnott-Armstrong's claim that individual actions, such as driving unnecessarily, are not morally wrong. Why does he think this? Do you agree with his reasoning? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain and discuss Sinnott-Armstrong's claim that individual...

Question 5

Some actions, like driving unnecessarily, are such that if everyone did them, climate change would increase. Does this have any implications for the moral status of those actions? Why or why not? How might Sinnott-Armstrong respond to your argument?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Some actions, like driving unnecessarily, are such...

Question 6

Sinnott-Armstrong argues that individuals do have moral obligations to help fight climate change, but that these obligations are restricted to influencing governments to change their environmental policies. Why does he think our obligations are restricted in this way? Do you agree with him? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Sinnott-Armstrong argues that individuals do have moral...

Question 7

Case Study
The town of Woodsville has long been proud of its beautiful untouched woodlands. Their natural beauty is celebrated by the town's residents and local conservationists have gone to tremendous efforts to care for them. Recently, Woodsville, like many rustbelt towns in the United States, has seen an unprecedented number of its residents fall prey to the opioid crisis. Many addicts are unable to find cost-effective services for recovery and the numbers of homeless addicts are rising at an alarming rate.
Due to emergency funding form the state, Woodsville is eligible for a grant that would allow them to build a government-funded addiction treatment center in town. It would provide needed low-cost recovery services for hundreds of people and would also provide many needed jobs opportunities for locals. However, the grant only allows for the treatment center to be built on public land. The only option for Woodsville to accept the treatment center is to allow 100 acres of their woodlands to be deforested for the build cite.
-Should Woodsville accept the deforestation as a cost worth paying for the treatment center? Why or why not? What principles should they employ to help them make this decision?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Case Study
The town of Woodsville has long...

Question 8

Case Study
The town of Woodsville has long been proud of its beautiful untouched woodlands. Their natural beauty is celebrated by the town's residents and local conservationists have gone to tremendous efforts to care for them. Recently, Woodsville, like many rustbelt towns in the United States, has seen an unprecedented number of its residents fall prey to the opioid crisis. Many addicts are unable to find cost-effective services for recovery and the numbers of homeless addicts are rising at an alarming rate.
Due to emergency funding form the state, Woodsville is eligible for a grant that would allow them to build a government-funded addiction treatment center in town. It would provide needed low-cost recovery services for hundreds of people and would also provide many needed jobs opportunities for locals. However, the grant only allows for the treatment center to be built on public land. The only option for Woodsville to accept the treatment center is to allow 100 acres of their woodlands to be deforested for the build cite.
-How can the value of plant and animal life be weighed against the value of human life in this case?

Accepted Answer