PHILOSOPHY 201 (STOLZE) Notes on Redwood Trees as Objects, and their Moral Standing

Hyperion Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) Hyperion is the name of a Coast Redwood tree in Northern California that was confirmed to measure feet, which ranks it as the world's tallest known living tree. Hyperion was discovered September 8, 2006 by naturalists Chris Atkins and Michael Taylor. The tree was found in a remote area of the Redwood National Park, south of Crescent City. The exact location of the tree has not been revealed to the public for fear that human traffic would upset the surrounding ecosystem.

Willimas Grove, Humboldt County

The “Immortal Tree” Although this isn’t the oldest or tallest redwood tree, it is over 950 years old and is currently around 250 feet tall. It has survived a 1964 flood of the area, a 1908 attempt at logging, and a direct lightning strike that broke off the top 45 feet (now in cross-section). The tree derives its name from its age and from having survived these threats. Markers are visible on the tree, denoting the heights where the loggers' axes and the floodwaters struck the tree. The tree is located along the Avenue of the Giants along State Route 254, north of Garberville, California

A Cross-section of the Immortal Tree

Ronald Reagan on Redwoods Ronald Reagan, while running for governor of California, spoke before the Western Wood Products Association in San Francisco on March 12, 1966 and said the following: “I think... that we've got to recognize that where the preservation of a natural resource like the redwoods is concerned, that there is a common sense limit. I mean, if you've looked at a hundred thousand acres or so of trees—you know, a tree is a tree, how many more do you need to look at?” (The campaign of Pat Brown, his opponent, changed his comments into “If you’ve seen one redwood, you’ve seen them all.” However, Reagan still won the election later that year.)

Monumental Trees Video

Factual and Moral Language (1) Hyperion is feet tall and 950 years old. (2) Hyperion is morally valuable.

Moral Realism For a moral realist, moral language states facts about the world. A moral realist believes, then, that there is some natural fact in virtue of which an object is good. In the case of Hyperion, (2) follows from (1) [and (1)* If a tree is tall and old, then it is morally valuable].

Moral Subjectivism Moral language expresses the attitudes of speakers rather than stating facts about the world.

Three Types of Moral Subjectivism Simple Subjectivism Emotivism Prescriptivism

Simple Subjectivism (2)* I like Hyperion.

Emotivism (2)** Hurray for Hyperion!

Prescriptivism (2)*** Long may Hyperion last!

Moral Dispositionalism (2)**** The properties of Hyperion are such that they evoke a sense of wonder and moral respect.