Module 4 Original Assignment
Original Assignment Topic
Assigned questions:
Current news and politics is full of concern about the environment, particularly as it is related to oil use and the auto industry. There are a number of ethical considerations that arise out of these issues. Please be sure to answer ALL of the following questions:
1. Some propose that these concerns could be alleviated if our use of cars was limited by increased gasoline taxes--if gas is more expensive, we will use less of it and, as a beneficial by-product, improve the environment. What do you think of this proposal and what theory would support your position? Are there injustices built into such measures? If so, is there any practical way to avoid them?
Based on the Utilitarian perspective, the tax on gas would be ethical because it would benefit the most members of society. If gas costs more, consumers would be more inclined to purchase fuel-efficient cars, or hybrids, or use mass transportation, carpools, etc. All of these actions would cut down on the number of pollutants from automobiles, which would result in better air quality for all. Not only would people in society today benefit from cleaner air, future generations would benefit as well. A Utilitarian would weigh all the options and impacts. Fuel efficient cars are more expensive, but if the market is flooded with a demand for them, this could help drive the price down. The current economy is tough for a lot of people so most people want lower fuel prices, not higher. However, the higher fuel prices will dissuade people from buying SUVs and other gas guzzlers, and entice them to purchase the cleaner, fuel efficient vehicles. If gas prices were high, we would look to electric vehicles to save money which would benefit the environment because there would be fewer greenhouse gasses and pollutants. Americans already hate the high taxes in the U.S. so the chances of Congress actually passing legislation to raise the taxes on fuel may not be very
Assigned questions:
Current news and politics is full of concern about the environment, particularly as it is related to oil use and the auto industry. There are a number of ethical considerations that arise out of these issues. Please be sure to answer ALL of the following questions:
1. Some propose that these concerns could be alleviated if our use of cars was limited by increased gasoline taxes--if gas is more expensive, we will use less of it and, as a beneficial by-product, improve the environment. What do you think of this proposal and what theory would support your position? Are there injustices built into such measures? If so, is there any practical way to avoid them?
Based on the Utilitarian perspective, the tax on gas would be ethical because it would benefit the most members of society. If gas costs more, consumers would be more inclined to purchase fuel-efficient cars, or hybrids, or use mass transportation, carpools, etc. All of these actions would cut down on the number of pollutants from automobiles, which would result in better air quality for all. Not only would people in society today benefit from cleaner air, future generations would benefit as well. A Utilitarian would weigh all the options and impacts. Fuel efficient cars are more expensive, but if the market is flooded with a demand for them, this could help drive the price down. The current economy is tough for a lot of people so most people want lower fuel prices, not higher. However, the higher fuel prices will dissuade people from buying SUVs and other gas guzzlers, and entice them to purchase the cleaner, fuel efficient vehicles. If gas prices were high, we would look to electric vehicles to save money which would benefit the environment because there would be fewer greenhouse gasses and pollutants. Americans already hate the high taxes in the U.S. so the chances of Congress actually passing legislation to raise the taxes on fuel may not be very