In the reading for this week, Onora O'Neill suggests, "Most of us agree that we should value the environment, or at least some bits of the environment; fewer of us agree why we should do so. Leaving aside answers that appeal to sheer prudence or mere preference and looking at some of the array of answers offering under the heading of 'environmental ethics' leaves a great deal obscure" (Chapter 4: "Environmental Value, Anthropocentrism, and Speciesism"). 1. How can we define environmental ethics in the contemporary moment? 2. What are the factors involved in creating an ethical scaffold for understanding the natural world and its resources? 3. What is the role of duty and obligation?

Does this sound good? hey great britain, we need to talk. we’ve been through a lot these past couple of years and i don’t think that i would’ve made it this far without you but, i think it’s time that i tried to. don’t get me wrong, i think you’re a pretty great country! you’re smart, you’re funny, you're rich, and very dominant but, these past couple of years you’ve been a little too dominant. as each year goes by you become more and more self-absorbed. you’re only concerned about your own well-being. for example, when we get into arguments you always raise the taxes on paper and tea prices; it just isn’t fair. not only are you selfish but, you always want your buddies around. it’s not very fun cleaning up after you and your british soldiers (you guys never put the toilet seat down). they’re always popping up unexpected, and you always force me to let them stay for a couple of days. not to mention how irresponsible you are. i don’t like it when you force some of your responsibility on me. it’s not my fault that you got yourself into another war so, why should i have to pay for it? listen, in the beginning, what we had was good but, you and i aren’t so compatible anymore. i think it’s best if i took some time to be independent and think for myself for once. -yours truly, the states

The platt amendment of 1901 forbade cuba from entering into any treaties that would allow undue foreign involvement in cuban affairs. this law was passed after the spanish-american war to make sure that european nations weren’t going to get involved with cuba. 1, why might the platt amendment be considered ironic? 2, what reasons would the united states have for not wanting european influence in cuba?

To what is the growth of civilization most clearly traced