Transcript Lifeboat Ethics Discussion Questions

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“Lifeboat Ethics” by Garrett Hardin
Discussion Questions
What are the implications of the two central metaphors—the
spaceships and the lifeboat—that Garrett Hardin uses for his
argument? Is contrasting these two an effective rhetorical
strategy? Discuss your answer.
Hardin uses population growth statistics to make projections to
support his argument. Have these projections proven true? (You
may need to do a quick search for this statistic).
What does Hardin mean by “the tragedy of the commons”?
Hardin relies mainly on the logic of his arguments, but he also
uses strong connotative language. How do expressions such as
“toothless tiger” and “conscience-stricken people” affect the
reader?
What does Hardin mean by “pure justice”? Do you agree with his
use of the phrase? Why or why not?
Hardin’s essay was published is Psychology Today in 1974. To
what extent do you this his basic argument can apply to today’s
world?