Questions

  1. What are the implications of the two central metaphors—the spaceship and the lifeboat—that Garrett Hardin uses for his argument? Is contrasting these two an effective rhetorical strategy? Discuss your answer.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 6 - 3. from Lifeboat Ethics - Questions: What are the implications of the two central metaphors—the spaceship and the lifeboat—that Garrett Hardin uses for his argument? Is contrasting these two an effective rhetorical strategy? Discuss your answer.
  2. Hardin uses population growth statistics to make projections to support his argument. Have these projections proven true? (You will need to do some research.)

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 6 - 3. from Lifeboat Ethics - Questions: Hardin uses population growth statistics to make projections to support his argument. Have these projections proven true? (You will need to do some research.)
  3. What does Hardin mean by “the tragedy of the commons” (para. 16)?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 6 - 3. from Lifeboat Ethics - Questions: What does Hardin mean by “the tragedy of the commons” (para. 16)?
  4. Hardin relies mainly on the logic of his arguments, but he also uses strong connotative language. How do expressions such as “toothless tiger” (para. 3) and “conscience-stricken people” (para. 9) affect the reader?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 6 - 3. from Lifeboat Ethics - Questions: Hardin relies mainly on the logic of his arguments, but he also uses strong connotative language. How do expressions such as “toothless tiger” (para. 3) and “conscience-stricken people” (para. 9) affect the reader?
  5. What does Hardin mean by “pure justice” (para. 19)? Do you agree with his use of the phrase? Why or why not?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 6 - 3. from Lifeboat Ethics - Questions: What does Hardin mean by “pure justice” (para. 19)? Do you agree with his use of the phrase? Why or why not?
  6. Hardin’s essay was published in Psychology Today in 1974. To what extent do you think his basic argument can apply to today’s world?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 6 - 3. from Lifeboat Ethics - Questions: Hardin’s essay was published in Psychology Today in 1974. To what extent do you think his basic argument can apply to today’s world?