PHIL 101

          I believe that we, as in everyone currently alive, have a duty to protect the planet for both our generation and future ones. Furthermore, collectives who have caused climate damage, whether businesses or countries, have an even greater responsibility to fight climate change. Although Simon Caney illustrates many of the logical issues with attributing blame to collectives, these groups that have caused the most damage should take the largest share of work towards reversing climate change.          For those who have not personally had a negative effect on the climate, there are still reasons to help protect the planet. Mainly, they can benefit from cleaner air, reduced global warming, and more predictable weather. Although some may argue that it is not their individual responsibility, the analogy of a child face down in a puddle is a great counterpoint. Even though one did not push the child, there are societal norms ...

         Everyone is always wondering about what the future holds. For some this could be graduation, buying a house, or having a child. However, what would happen if there were no more children? Although there are several conclusions that could be drawn, I think that this would overall be bad for both those who are currently living and the future of the planet.          If  people have no  reason to be concerned for the future, then resources would be depleted in an effort to raise the quality of life for those who are alive. This is illustrated in Derek Parfit's "Energy Policy and the Further Future" were he argues against worrying about consequences of our actions on future people. What then follows is that the planet would essentially be destroyed as people try to gain the maximum enjoyment knowing that they are the last generation.          This would likely lead to some form of lawlessness as well...

           I believe that I am the same person today that I was when I was 10. Sure, there are numerous physical differences that separate me from what I was 9 years ago. For instance, I have grown well over a foot since then. There are also numerous social and emotional differences, such  as changes in my friendships and personality. However, none of these changes have caused me to become a different person. All that happened was I grew into a different version of myself. While it is difficult for me to pick a side in Perry's dialogue, I feel that I most closely agree with Weirob. I think that I am the same person due to the belief that identity relies on our physical aspects, such as the way our brain processes information. Although, much like Weirob, I am always open to other arguments about why this may not be the reality of how identity works.          There are numerous consequences of the belief that human identity lies ...