Environmental Activism Ethics
XAT 2010 · DM · Medium · Decision Making
Some environmentalists tired of waiting for 'green economics' to catch up with the society at large, have adopted their own strategies for tipping the financial calculation in favour of the land. In the forest surrounding Vancouver, where trees are being felled for paper to print philosophy books (well, maybe one or two, but it's worth it), groups have used metal spikes hidden in trees to prevent the chainsaws from operating safely, pushing up the price of harvesting the trees. In Phoenix, Arizona, where mountain nature reserves have been encroached on by new houses, hooded vigilantes have burnt down the new residences .The arsonists, according to the local paper, pray before they burn down a house that no one will get hurt, thinking primarily of the fire-fighters - the new houses are burned while still empty. 'We don't pray for ourselves not to get caught - that's God's will.' one is quoted as saying.
As per the activists, all aforementioned activities seem clearly very principled. But is it ethical?
- A.
Yes, arsonists are right.
- B.
No, they have no justification for damaging other people's Property.
- C.
No, as it is not taken up in a peaceful manner.
- D.
No, as the activities are not carried out in a legal manner.
- E.
Stop thinking about ethics altogether as ethical issues are difficult to resolve.
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