Hurt, Cultural, Spring 2014
25 points
Name_______________________________
Living on a Lifeboat
Your mission is to write a review and critique of the article “Living on a Lifeboat” by
Garrett Hardin. Instead of only summarizing his main points, you should analyze them as
well. It is typically better to explain Hardin’s concepts first and then give your reactions
second. You will want to answer many of the following questions:
-What are the main ideas of the article?
-What is the Tragedy of the Commons?
-What do you think about his overall arguments?
-Do you agree or disagree with the lifeboat metaphor?
-Is it the responsibility of wealthy countries to feed nations that are unable to feed
themselves?
-Are the problems discussed in Hardin’s 1974 article better or worse today?
-How many people do you let in “your” lifeboat?
Length of papers will vary, although you’ll likely need four or five pages to thoroughly
address the issues raised by Hardin. Your TYPED, DOUBLE SPACED, and STAPLED
paper is due at the beginning of class on Friday, March 21. Late papers will be docked
five points per day.
Grading:
-Summary of specific “Lifeboat” themes, strengths, and weaknesses
-Analysis of themes, strengths, and weaknesses
-Appropriate grammar, spelling, etc.