Homework on Sinnott-Armstrong, It's Not My Fault


All answers must be in your own words.

1. Sinnott-Armstrong focuses on arguing that we are not obligated to reduce wasteful driving. However, if his arguments work, then they would apply to other actions as well, showing that we don't have obligations to do these actions. What are some other actions, beside reducing wasteful driving, that Sinnott-Armstrong's arguments would apply to? (2pts)

2. Sinnott-Armstrong gives arguments against a number of principles. Which argument against which principle is the most convincing? Explain the argument in your own words and explain why it is a good argument. (2pts)

3.a. Which principle do you find the most plausible, or the closest to the truth, despite Sinnott-Armstrong's arguments? (This shouldn't be the one you discuss for 3) What is Sinnott-Armstrong's argument against it? (2pt)
b. Since you find the principle from 3a plausible, you either think Sinnott-Armstrong's argument is unconvincing, or that there is some version of the principle that Sinnott-Armstrong's argument doesn't apply to. If you find his argument unconvincing, why? Or, if you think the argument works but the principle is close to the truth, what is a more plausible version of the principle that Sinnott-Armstrong's arguments wouldn't work against? (2pt)

4. a. What is something you can feasibly do that can make some possible or likely difference to climate change? This need not be something that would completely stop climate change, but should at least have some meaningful effect. By "feasibly" I mean something that is within your current abilities in the near future (so "Become president and change the laws" is not a good answer). (1pt)
b. Do you think that you are morally obligated to do that? Why or why not? (1pt)