Ethics of Exotic Species Control

Science is concerned with what is (true versus false, descriptions of the world). Ethics, is concerned with what should be (right versus wrong, what should be done versus what should not be done). Thus, science describes what is happening while ethics attempts to determine what should happen.  Although science cannot prove good versus bad or demonstrate right from wrong, scientists are often the most informed about how humans influence the world.  Many scientists find themselves trying to convince the general public about the importance of the earth, its ecosystems, and the impacts of human choices.  It is important to understand how people’s beliefs influence their morals (a subset of ethics which are influenced by personal belief).    

We know that human activities have caused the introduction of many species into new areas. Are we then responsible for their impacts? Do humans have a moral obligation to reverse the impacts of exotic species introductions? In this module, we examine these questions in the context of weeds, but similar issues apply to other exotic species as well. There are likely as many opinions on these issues as there are individuals thinking about them.

In the following pages you will examine some common arguments concerning the impacts and control of exotic species.  These are not the only views that are possible nor do you have to believe only one thing. You may think of some of your own after looking at those that we have described. After exploring each of the following viewpoints, you can read what we believe on our conclusions page.

Before beginning, ask yourself, are all exotic species bad?  Distinguish between an ethical (yes or no) argument and a moral argument (when the good outweighs the bad, an exotic species should be introduced).

Rationales:

• Religious Doctrine

Conclusions

NOTE: Our "Conclusions" page is secured by a 7 letter password. You get the password by going through the 7 rationales given above. There is a letter at the bottom of every page. Arrange the letters in order and you have the password!