29 Dec SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

Week 1 Class Discussion

This week, the reading and lesson trace a number of ethical theories that we will encounter and explore this session. These include the following.

Utilitarianism

Deontology

Ethical Intuitionism

Virtue Ethics

Ethical Non-Cognitivism

Ethical Contractarianism

As we begin our discussion this week, select one theory of ethics to apply to the case study in Chapter 2 (“Evaluating a Case Study: Developing a Practical Ethical Viewpoint”). Based on your selected ethical theory, what are the main ethical concerns?

LAS432 Technology, Society, and Culture

Week 2 Class Discussion

VALUE AND DUTY

In the reading for this week, Onora O’Neill suggests, “Most of us agree that we should value the environment, or at least some bits of the environment; fewer of us agree why we should do so. Leaving aside answers that appeal to sheer prudence or mere preference and looking at some of the array of answers offering under the heading of ‘environmental ethics’ leaves a great deal obscure” (Chapter 4: “Environmental Value, Anthropocentrism, and Speciesism”).

How can we define environmental ethics in the contemporary moment? What are the factors involved in creating an ethical scaffold for understanding the natural world and its resources? What is the role of duty and obligation?

LAS432 Technology, Society, and Culture

Week 3 Class Discussion

INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES

This week, Chapter 2 considers the relationship between individuals and communities. Oftentimes, this discussion is at the center about debates over technology and ethics. When considering the relationship between individuals and communities, Michael Boylan suggests that there are two main considerations (“The Self in Context: A Grounding for Environmentalism”).

The way that individuals understand their role and ability to act

They way that individuals see and understand their actions within a larger social context

Using this schema as a guide, what is the relationship between the individual and his or her environmental community? What are the individual roles and responsibilities to act ethically when considering technological impact on the environment? Be sure to illustrate your response using a concrete example of a technology and key formations from the reading for this week.

LAS432 Technology, Society, and Culture

Week 4 Class Discussion

ETHICS, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

This week you are reading about the connection between the worldview of ecofeminism and social justice. This week, we will utilize the case study “The Commercialization of Life Forms” by Wanda Teays from the textbook as a point of departure for discussion. As you study this section, consider the following.

What is the relationship between ecofeminism and environmental ethics? What are some of the key points?

How do technologies related to microorganisms suggest ethical conflicts?

How do these conflicts relate to social justice?

Remember to provide specific examples and references from the reading to help support your ideas.

LAS432 Technology, Society, and Culture

Week 5 Class Discussion

CLIMATE CHANGE

This week’s reading focuses on the relationship between climate change, leadership, and ethical responsibility. What is the relationship between leadership and ethical standards? How does advancements in technology complicate or simplify this relationship? Utilize at least one form of technology discussed in the reading to help illustrate your response.

LAS432 Technology, Society, and Culture

Week 6 Class Discussion

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

In the reading for this week, Alan Gewirth and Randall Curren discuss the roles of human rights and sustainability, respectively, when considering environmental ethics and technology. In the 21st century, what is the relationship between sustainability and human rights? How does this impact the development of new technologies? Consider a key current technological example and apply to readings for this week to create a simple case study to serve as an example of your reasoning.