1) Identify one main conclusion of the selection you’ve read.
Ferré, in his hierarchical biocentrism, perceives that all living organisms have some form of moral standing or ethical standard that are different and unique to each one of them (Ferré, 1996). This indifferent moral standing is motivated by the sophistication that a being places on its capacities (Ferré, 1996). If an organism places a higher value on its experiences than others, then it is considered to have a richer and more self-endowed inner life-value appreciation (Ferré, 1996). Consequently, this richness in the inner life of the organism places it on the hierarchy of the most worthy of moral consideration.
2) Identify and explain 2-3 key ideas in support of the author’s conclusion.
Human beings emerge as the special ones in the class of valuers by their possession of elevated and advanced forms of enjoyment and, more specifically, having unique preferences (Ferré, 1996). Ferré supports his arguments, basing his critique on Leopold’s Ecocentrism. He argues that a satisfactory ethical theory should be practically applicable and offer actual guidance for important ethical issues apart from explaining moral intuitions (Ferré, 1996). These arguments give rise to his conclusive views on humans’ high scale over other non-human organisms.
3) Why do the 2-3 key ideas identified above support the author’s conclusion?
He infers that their well-developed and enhanced mental capacities support human traits, giving them the complexity and richness of their inner lives (Ferré, 1996). With their highly equipped capacities, they demand special needs and powers (Ferré, 1996). Therefore, ultimately, humans reserve the position of being more worthy of moral consideration.
4) Do you find the author’s argument convincing, and why? Give good reasons!
Ferré’s arguments are well calculated and well-reasoned. Apart from acknowledging the interconnectedness that they possess with other organisms, they also place some scale of value on them. This shared way of navigating ethical rightness and wrongness helps tackle moral conflicts that may arise when humans and non-human organisms collide, a form of responsibility on conflict resolution that usually narrows down to the powers humans possess.
5) One discussion question: Formulate a critical question that aims to facilitate in-class discussion (For example: “The author claims x, but that doesn’t seem obvious to me. Is she justified in claiming x? Why or why not?”).
Ferré claims that Leopold’s ethical theory on ecocentrism marginalizes human culture and human concerns, a view that supporters of Leopold’s work seem not to agree with. Basing your arguments from his writings on personalistic organicism, discuss whether you support or do not support his views.
Reference
Ferre, F. (1996). Persons in nature: Toward an applicable and unified environmental ethics. Indiana University Press, 1(1), 15-25. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40338926
