University of Lethbridge — Department of Philosophy
Philosophy 2236A C Environmental Philosophy
Fall 2004
ASSIGNMENT #2
Your assignment is to write a research paper on one of the following suggested topics:
1. Symbiosis: discuss the meaning of this concept and its possible applications to environmental
ethics and/or sustainability. Primary references: Ch. 7, Whatmough and Lovelock in Ch. 18, and
Peacock, “Symbiosis and the Ecological Role of Philosophy” (on the course web site).
2. Ecofeminism: define it, and explain whether or not you think it has something to contribute to
the mitigation of our environmental problems. Primary references: any of the papers in Ch. 13.
3. Sustainable development: is this term oxymoronic? Or is sustainable development the last best
hope of humanity? Primary references: “Towards Sustainable Development” in Ch. 16, and
paper by Livingston, Ch. 10.
4. Can the apparent conflicts between environmental protection/renewal and economics be
resolved? Or is it just “too expensive” to protect the environment? Primary references: any of
the papers in Chs. 14 and 15.
5. What is “deep ecology,” and it is a helpful approach to environmental ethics? Primary reference:
Ch. 11.
6. Could a love for animals be compatible with hunting and trapping? Could the sort of trapping
that DeHaas practices be a part of a sustainable ecology, or is it morally unacceptable? Primary
reference: paper by DeHaas, Ch. 12.
7. Do Native American practices and philosophies have something special to contribute to the
search for sustainability? Primary references: Gwaganad (Ch. 4), Hecht and Cockburn, Wavey
(Ch. 6), and Whatmough (Ch. 18).
8. Choose your own topic, but it must be approved by me. I reserve the right to refuse papers that
are not on an approved topic.
The qualities I am looking for in your papers include intellectual initiative, imagination, thoroughness,
depth of analysis, insight, care in reasoning, care in document preparation, a willingness to read widely
and make connections between readings, and the ability to express yourself accurately, grammatically,
and with some degree of flair and imagination. Intellectual initiative is the most important thing: by this
I mean your willingness to take on a difficult topic, look beneath the surface, research thoroughly, and
develop your own critical or creative viewpoints. Please do not be concerned about what you think you
“should” say about a topic; try to work out what you yourself actually do think.
Prospectus
You are required to write a prospectus for your paper. A prospectus is a short document in which you
propose a topic and explain how you intend to investigate it. Your prospectus need only be 150 to 200
words (and in fact it is better if you keep it short since doing so forces you to be precise). It must include
your choice of topic, a statement of the primary and secondary references you will use (although you can
add more secondary references as you continue to work on the paper), and an explanation of the line of
argument you intend to investigate. You must also state which citation style (such as APA or MLA) you
1
intend to use. Of course, you need not claim to have a definite conclusion at this point, since that will
emerge during the course of your work.
I will give you a letter grade mark on your prospectus, in order to give you a sense of how well
you are doing, but it will not be a factor in the final grade for the paper. However, a late penalty will
apply (2%/day including weekends and holidays) if the prospectus is not in by the due date. (This will be
taken off the mark for the final paper.)
Formal Requirements
Your prospectus and paper should be typed double-spaced, one side of the paper. Number the pages, and
do not put the paper in any kind of binder or cover; just staple in the upper left corner.
Spelling, grammar, overall presentation, and the quality of your writing will be factors in your
mark, so try to make your work as neat and professional as possible. It is your responsibility to make sure
that you are competent in grammar, spelling, correct methods of citation, etc., although I’d be glad to give
you advice if needed.
References and Citations
Note that every suggested topic lists primary references from the text. You must start from these
references and demonstrate that you understand them, but then you can go beyond these references to
other sources. I will not accept papers that are based only on web sites.
You are welcome to use any standard method of citation, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago style,
but you must use it correctly. There are many sources of information about how these citations methods
work. Feel free to consult with me if you are unsure of what to do.
Length: 2500 words
Prospectus Due Date: Nov. 16.
Final Paper Due Date: Dec. 9 (last day of classes).
A late penalty of 2%/day is applied to late assignments, including weekends and holidays.
Some Advice
It is in the nature of all serious writing, and philosophical writing in particular, that it can almost never be
done decently at the last minute in a desperate rush. Oddly enough, philosophy requires thought, and
thought takes time.

Do not leave this assignment to the last minute!!!

Proofread your work!!!
Be sure to read my “Writing Guidelines” on my web site (http://people.uleth.ca/~kent.peacock). There is
a link to this on the syllabus on the course site:
http://classes.uleth.ca/200403/phil2236a/Phil2236A_Fall04_Syllabus1.html.
I will be glad to “red-ink” rough drafts, so long as you give me a reasonable amount of time to do
so; I can’t guarantee to be able to do this in the last week or so of classes. Feel free to drop by and discuss
your project with me.
Good luck!
— K.P.
2