Ethics in Canada: Ethical, Social, and Political Perspectives

The following questions are from the textbook (Karen Wendling, Ethics in Canada: Ethical,
Social, and Political Perspectives, OUP Canada, 2015), and require independent re-reading of
the corresponding chapters and readings.
The answers will be assessed both in light of the clarity of the summary of the reading as well as
the quality of the discussion.
Do not exceed 400 words per question. Write down the word count for each answer

1. Tully argues that Canada’s legitimacy as a nation requires recognizing the prior sovereignty of
[Indigenous] Peoples… What is his argument for this claim? Do you agree with him (from
Chapter 1, p. 79)
2. Animal rights theory traditionally has not distinguished between companion animals, farm
animals, wild animals, and animals that live among but not with humans. Do you agree with
Donaldson and Kymlicka that we should distinguish between animals based on our relationships
with them? (from chapter 6, p. 263)
3. Madore writes, “In the Canadian context of health care, the main concern with respect to
privatization is that it can lead to a ‘two-tier’ system.” Do you think this is a problem? why or why
not? (from Chapter 8, p. 353)
4. Arbour discusses the decision to prosecute rape as a war crime. What are the reasons [and
the significance] of the reasons for this decision? (from Chapter 10, p. 443)
5. Lomborg argues for a form of adaptation rather than mitigation [meaning, reduction of
greenhouse gases]. He argues that policies should be “smart”, and rich countries should invest
billions of dollars in research and innovation. What does he mean by smart policies (see pp. 506-
508)? Critically discuss. (from Chapter 12, this question was edited to make it easier to
understand).

6. Homer-Dixon and Vandana Shiva say that we need to change the way we think about the
environment. They talk about cultural transformation. What do they mean by this concept? Do
you agree with them? Discuss why or why not? (from chapter 12, p. 526, the question was edited
to make it easier to understand)