WRC 1023

Reading Response to "Lifeboat Ethics"

Garrett Hardin's "Lifeboat Ethics" is about making both personal and political decisions based on values, such as with population related issues:

a. A country's immigration policies

b. A rich country's foreign aid policies

c. A family's decision on who should be first priority with food

d. A university's admission policy.

Each of the above mentioned issues deals with the idea of deservedness based on certain criteria that are determined by a country or person's values. These same decisions based on similar values can be illustrated by decisions that are made on a daily basis in connection with organ donation, emergency room treatment, and charitable actions or donations. This discussion often centers on the ideas of responsibility and consequences.

In order to better understand Hardin's essay, answer the following questions in paragraph form, creating a structured, rhetorical analysis:

1. What can you find out about Garrett Hardin and why he wrote this piece?

When and where was this piece originally published? What does that tell you?

2. Write a one-paragraph summary of "Lifeboat Ethics"

3. What logos is presented and how is it useful?

4. What ethos does Hardin create? How does he treat the opposition?

5. How does Hardin use pathos?

6. Finally, discuss Hardin's use of the extended analogy.

This is an in-class essay that will be written over 2 class days and will be given a daily grade. Then, the essay will be typed outside of class for a final grade. Both versions will be turned in on Monday, February 15, 2016.