Ethical theories in practice
LO: How can ethical theories be applied to environmental issues?

Canticle of the sun
Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially
through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give
light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his
splendour! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and
clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which you give
your creatures sustenance.
Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water; she is very useful,
and humble, and precious, and pure.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you
brighten the night. He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful
and strong.
Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth, who
feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits with colored
flowers and herbs.

Fact or opinion?

Fact or opinion?
1. Instrumental value means the value of things
as a means to further some other ends.

Fact or opinion?
1. Instrumental value means the value of things
as a means to further some other ends.
2. All animals have intrinsic value.

Fact or opinion?
1. Instrumental value means the value of things
as a means to further some other ends.
2. All animals have intrinsic value.
3. Looking after the environment is a prima
facie duty.

Fact or opinion?
1. Instrumental value means the value of things
as a means to further some other ends.
2. All animals have intrinsic value.
3. Looking after the environment is a prima
facie duty.
4. Preservation of species means working to
protect the animals on the endangered species
risk.

Fact or opinion?
1. Instrumental value means the value of things
as a means to further some other ends.
2. All animals have intrinsic value.
3. Looking after the environment is a prima
facie duty.
4. Preservation of species means working to
protect the animals on the endangered species
risk.
5. It is wrong to experiment on animals.

Is animal experimentation morally wrong?

Have you ...
* mentioned instrumental or intrinsic
value?
* given at least three reasons for
your own point of view?
* given objective reasons?
* referred to an ethical theory?

Card sort ...

Homework
http://www.rsrevision.com/Alevel/ethics/environment/cases.htm

Choose three statements ...
We should only look after the environment because it
has instrumental value for human beings.
All sentient beings, including animals, have intrinsic
value, but we can treat plants, water and land the
way we want.
Our actions when dealing with environmental
disasters should bring the greatest amount of
happiness to the greatest number of people.
A good person with a good character will always act
in the morally right way towards the environment.
If I were Prime Minister, I would ban the transport of
oil by sea.