PHIL51 Week 7 – Geoengineering

PHIL 51—Scientific Reasoning

Week 7

Geoengineering.
What it is
Some of the nuances and complexities associated with defining the term
The two main categories
The main reasons people are interested in geoengineering, and some of the tensions that arise among these reasons
For each of the following specific geoengineering techniques, be able to explain what they are, how they work, and some of the pros and cons associated with each one:
Afforestation.
BECCS.
Direct air capture.
Stratospheric sulfate injection.
The main types of considerations that Gardiner and Obst think are important for thinking about if and when different types of geoengineering might be justified
The difference between the justificatory question and the contextual question
Moral hazard. What it is and how it relates to geoengineering
The issue of intentional climate change
Why some people think intention is morally relevant
The doctrine of doing and allowing. What it is and how it relates to the geoengineering debate
The doctrine of doubleeffect. What it is and how it relates to the geoengineering debate
Be able to discuss important aspects of the geoengineering debate that are important to indigenous communities