Practice test discussed in class

TEST INSTRUCTIONS

Your answers will be evaluated based upon the following criteria:
• Clarity of thought
• Organization (Week 1: introduction with thesis statement, body, conclusion)
• Demonstrated use of applied theory (utilitarianism, egoism, deontology, precautionary principle, adaptation vs. mitigation, etc.)
• Critical thinking (Week 1 and 2: PP/C, argumentative structure, validity and soundness, “How to Make an Argument” paper)
• Use of real world current events from your readings (the blog, the text)

Formulate a clear, cogent and relevant ethical argument in defense of your position. Please print legibly.

1. Is having children a right or a privilege? In your response, please discuss the population problem and the tragedy of the commons.

2. What is the precautionary principle? Please be as specific and as exact as possible in your definition. How does the precautionary principle relate to issues surrounding global warming? Please provide at least two other examples where one could apply the precautionary principle. Explain.

3. Is nuclear power green? Ought the US move towards more nuclear solutions to our energy problems? What should we do with our nuclear waste? Are we morally justified in shipping our nuclear waste to the third world? Justify your response.

4. How does the text define sustainability? Is this realistically achievable? How would this be achieved? Does sustainability lead to tyranny? How could it lead to tyranny? If it does lead to tyranny then is living sustainably worth it?

Just for fun:
If it really is the case that ExxonMobil executives engaged in a vast conspiracy to dis-inform the American public, how should they be held accountable (that is, penalized)?