1. HU245-03 - Ethics - Unit 8 Seminar Instructor: Sean Choi

2. Today’s topics: environmentalism and “food ethics.” 1.Environmentalism. 1.1. “Based on the reading in Chapter 16, which of the ethical positions on the environment do you think most aligns with your position?” 1.1.1. “Pro” use and/or exploitation. (Comes in both religious and secular versions, cf. natural selection.) 1.1.2. “Anti” use and exploitation: monistic wholism. 1.1.3. Moderate position: Use but don’t abuse. 1.2. Some questions relevant to this issue. 1.2.1. Is human civilization more important than nature, or vice versa? 1.2.2. Are we all “parts” of nature? (Cf. “No” answer: the formal properties of parthood: irreflexive, asymmetrical, transitive.)

3. 1.2.3. Is nature more “organic” or “mechanistic” (my way of framing the issue). 2. Food ethics 2.1. “Is a vegetarian diet preferable?” Three main options: 2.1.1. Carnivores (technically omnivores): meat eaters. 2.1.2. Vegetarians: don’t eat meat, but may use animal products (e.g., milk and eggs). 2.1.3. Vegans: don’t eat meat and don’t use animal products. 2.2. Some issues relevant to this question. 2.2.1. Animal sentience. 2.2.2. Animal rights (vs. speciesism). 2.2.3. Religious vs. health reasons.

4. Have a great evening, everyone! :)