Class Sessions

Text Reading | Topics | Text Discussion Questions

At the conclusion of this session please post your discussion questions for the text and  for the case study as a single set of responses under the heading DQ2.

 

Session 2: Moral Philosophy & Moral Consideration 
 
Reading Assignments: 

 Robert Traer text: Chapter 1

Web Reading: Crichton, M. (2009) "Environmentalism as Religion."

Web Videos: Pilmer, Ian (2008) “Environmentalism is the New Religion,” FOR A.tv and Crichton, Michael (2007) Environmentalism as Religion, C-SPAN-2, Students and Leaders Series.

Discussion Topics

Concept of Right & Good, Empathy & Reason, Anthropocentric & Non-Anthropocentric Ethics, Ethical Relativism, Ethical Traditions, Rule of Law, Ethical Presumptions.

Environmentalism as Religion, Environmentalism as Ideology, Countervailing Values, Judeo-Christian Values and Ecology.

  Discussion Questions:

Please complete these text discussion questions. Be sure to research your answers and include APA citations and references

From Chapter 1: Answer questions 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, & 10.

Web reading and video questions:

  1. Is environmentalism kind of like a religion?

  2. Can religion help the environment? Explain.

  3. Can the Judeo - Christian tradition help the environment? Explain.

  4. Environmentalism, as a secularly conceived religion (according to Plimmer and Crichton) can compete with opposing religious persuasions on an "unequal basis." How so, what advantages in public policy do "secular" approaches to religion have over those of "traditional" religions?

  5. If "environmentalism" is a true religious approach, in what way can it significantly detract from the freedom of citizens and the shaping of public policy?

Please include the question in the text followed by your answers. Cite and reference all answers in APA format. For all textual citations include the page number where the cited information can be found.

Class Sessions