1. Ethical Principles and Moral Reasoning (Also Food)
Unit 3: Resource Sustainability

2. Background
Based on three ethical principles: justice, sufficiency, and solidarity
Have origins in Greek philosophy, religious teachings, and reflection on human experience
Should be used as standards or benchmarks as we make our ethical decisions
Is there ever a “correct” answer?

3. Justice and sustainability
Individuals should be treated equally unless there is a sound reason to treat them unequally – thoughts? Examples?
Environmental justice (stay tuned) – inequitable access to resources and consequences of pollution
Animal justice – what does science say about eating animals?
Sustainability – extends justice into the future
Meet the needs of the current generations while allowing future ones to be able to do the same
Do you think we’re going to be able to make it with the growing population, or will we need to jump ship/kill people?

4. Sufficiency and Compassion
All forms of life are entitled to enough goods to live on and flourish
No one should waste/hoard resources – sound familiar?
Ethical norm to live more simply and consider others
Compassion extends this norm to the Earth
Responsibility to make sure other organism’s needs are met
How do we do this?
Ultimately, the future of humans is dependent on all forms of life

5. Solidarity and Participation
How we relate to each other in the community – requires us to recognize that we are part of a global “family”
The key is participation
Many environmental problems stem
from one individual’s or company’s
decisions that have far-reaching
implications
How does transparency play a role?

6. SO how do we do it? Commands – things we ought to do
Consequences – carefully evaluate the consequences of our decisions
Character – how does our character play a role in how we make our decisions?

7. Eating and Agriculture Ethics
Environmental concerns associated with agriculture first arose during the dust bowl » soil conservation
Rachel Carson brought concerns about pesticides on food
1960s – Cesar Chavez began a social justice movement for farm workers through non-violent protest
Farm workers are among the worst paid laborers, and racism does not help

8. Eating as an ethical Act
Eating is an ethical act, so all humans are involved in agriculture whether they realize it or not
Food collection activities (agriculture, grazing, fishing) have major impacts on the environment
One of the simplest ways to put agricultural ethics into practice is by buying locally grown, seasonal food—i.e. from farmers markets!