Question

Environmental Ethics Position Paragraph

Your task is to write a paragraph (maximum length of one page double spaced) that analyzes one of the following environmental ethical issue. You choose which issue to write about; in this assignment, reflect deeply on a topic that matters to you. You must argue your position with ethical theory and also show how your position is stronger than the opposing position supported by another theory.

Option A:

Should animals be used in medical research? In your response, consider which kind of animals (if any) would be morally permissible to use in medical research and what consideration should be given regarding pain.

Option B:

Is a vegetarian diet more ethical than a non-vegetarian diet? In your answer, consider the issue of animal rights and the environmental impact of both meat and plant-based diets.

Option C:

Consider the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Is the use of GMOs in food production ethical? In your answer, consider both health and environmental concerns.

• You must apply at least one ethical theory to support your position and explain how a different theory compares when applied to this issue.
• You must also show how your position supported by ethical theory is stronger than another position supported by another theory.

It is not enough to name a theory; you must explain the theory and demonstrate how your position reflects the logic and reasoning of that theory.

Answer 1

Is a vegetarian diet more ethical than a non-vegetarian diet?

In today's world, majority of the population is relied on the non-vegetarian diet. From fishes to cows to pigs. Different animals are consumed by humans without any regard for the pain felt by them. We as humans should be compassionate and empathetic towards the animals. Animals are not an essential part of our foods. We can entirely survive on the plants. Moreover, eating the non-vegetarian diet has variety of risks The plethora of organisms present in the body of different animals get a direct access inside our bodies. The unhygenic practices and unhealthy diet served to the animals posseses numerous health risks to humans

But that does not mean that switching to a fully vegetarian diet will help the world. Being a vegetarian is not completely ethical as the number of the substitutes made for the animal proteins have chemicals that posses an equal if not greater risk to the environment as the diseases spread by the animal meat.

So, what is an aternative to be ethical if ot being either an non-vegetarian or a vegetarian? Instead of opting for one these extreme options a middle ground could be opted - ethical omnivores. Opting for the 'golden mean'. This middle round offers better environmental and health benefits than either of the other extreme diet options.