Thesis
An evaluation of environmental pragmatism: applications to environmental ethics
Washington State University
Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
2008
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/102065
Abstract
Environmental philosophy is at a crossroads; we, as philosophers, must make ourselves relevant in policy consideration, or more policies will be enacted that are inadequate for the protection of the environment. I believe this is achievable by environmental pragmatism. Using environmental pragmatism as a metaphilosophical tool, it is possible to transcend theoretical debate and focus on the common goals that environmental philosophers strive for. Environmental pragmatism as a metaphilosophical tool deemphasizes debates over intrinsic or inherent value. This debate is responsible for much of the progress in environmental philosophy, but today serves as a deterrent in making environmental philosophy relevant to the political sphere. We should move away from applied philosophy and become practical philosophers; the situations encountered in environmental philosophy are diverse, and each has its own special considerations accounted for when determining what one ought to do or what policy to enact. The criteria for determining the success of a theory in a given situation is workability, otherwise a different approach is necessary. Using the Exxon Valdez oil spill at Prince William Sound in Alaska, I examine various environmental philosophies using environmental pragmatism as a metaphilosophical tool. Leopold's land ethic, deep ecology and social ecology all present various ideas on what one ought to do in this case study, with differing results. I conclude that with environmental pragmatism, the best course of action is more easily ascertained than by using monistic environmental philosophy.
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Details
- Title
- An evaluation of environmental pragmatism
- Creators
- Jason Lee Fishel
- Contributors
- Daniel Holbrook (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, School of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525046901842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis