Say whether each argument for saving a forest is a narrow utilitarian, a broad utilitarian or an…
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
Say whether each argument for saving a forest is a narrow utilitarian, a broad utilitarian or an ethical reason.
- The forest gives timber and firewood.
- The forest has bees that pollinate the crops of the next village.
- Every species in the forest has a value of its own.
- Some plants of the forest are the source of a medicine.
- The forest produces oxygen through photosynthesis.
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
Narrow utilitarian reasons are direct uses, such as food and medicines. Broad utilitarian reasons are services, such as pollination and oxygen. The ethical reason says that every species has a value of its own. Costanza estimated nature's services at about 33 trillion US dollars a year, about 1.8 times the global product.
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. (a) Narrow utilitarian. Timber and firewood are direct products.
Step 2. (b) Broad utilitarian. Pollination is a service.
Step 3. (c) Ethical.
Step 4. (d) Narrow utilitarian. A medicine is a direct product.
Step 5. (e) Broad utilitarian. Oxygen is a service to all.
Answer: (a) narrow; (b) broad; (c) ethical; (d) narrow; (e) broad.
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