BOTSWANA UNIVERSITY OF

AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL

RESOURCES
NAME OF DEPARTMENT:
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
TITLE OF THE PAPER: IS IT
ETHICAL TO CAUSE EXTINCTION
OF SOME SPECIES FOR THE SAKE
OF HUMAN CONSUMPTION AND
EGOISM?
TYPE OF CLASS:
NAME OF INSTRUCTOR: PROF
WAKJIRA
SUBMITTED BY NAME: FAITH
MASALILA (201700203)

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DATE OF DELIVERY:

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Abstract

The extinction of species is a serious issue that has become a topic of discussion in recent times.
Due to human consumption and egoism, some species have been pushed to the brink of
extinction, which raises ethical questions regarding the treatment of animals and the
environment. This paper will examine whether it is ethical to cause the extinction of some
species for the sake of human consumption and egoism. It will investigate the reasons why some
species are being pushed to the brink of extinction, how this affects the environment, and the
ethical considerations when it comes to consuming and utilizing endangered species. Based on
these findings, this paper will argue that it is not ethical to cause the extinction of species for the
sake of human consumption and egoism.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION 1
BACKGROUND 2
CAUSES OF EXTINCTION 3
ARGUMENTS 4
POINTS THAT AGREE 5
POINTS THAT DISAGREE 6
CONCLUSION

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INTRODUCTION

Extinction of some species is a natural phenomenon that has been happening for millions of
years. Whilst extinction is a natural process, the speed at which species are becoming extinct due
to human behavior is alarming. Current extinction rates are believed to be around 1,000 times
higher than the natural rate. While it is impossible to save every disappearing species, the ethical
concerns that arise when human behavior is the primary cause of extinction are significant.
Humans have caused the extinction of many species through habitat destruction, pollution,
hunting, and climate change, among other activities. As such, the question of whether it is ethical
to cause extinction of some species for the sake of our consumption and egoism has become a
subject of much debate in bioethics. This essay explores the ethical considerations of causing
extinction of some species for the sake of human consumption and egoism.

Human Consumption and Egoism

Human beings are known to be the most intelligent and powerful species on the planet. They
have the ability to manipulate their environment to meet their needs and wants. As such, humans
have used their intelligence and power to engage in various activities that have led to the
extinction of many species. One of the main reasons for this is human consumption and egoism.

Egoism, on the other hand, refers to self-interest or self-centeredness. Humans have been known
to be very egoistic in their actions, and this has often led to the extinction of many species. For
instance, humans engage in activities such as hunting, fishing, and logging, among others, to
satisfy their needs and wants without considering the impact of their actions on other species.
This kind of behavior is unacceptable in bioethics as it goes against the principles of fairness and
justice.

ARGUMENTS ON CAUSING EXTINCTION

ARGUMENTS THAT SUPPORT THE CAUSING EXTINCTION

HUMAN CONSUMPTION
Human consumption refers to the use of natural resources for human survival and well-being.
Humans consume natural resources such as water, food, lumber, minerals, and oil, among others,
to meet their needs. Human consumption has increased significantly over the years, leading to
the depletion of many natural resources. For instance, the world's population has doubled over
the past 50 years, leading to an increase in demand for food, water, and energy. This increase in
demand has led to the destruction of many habitats, thereby causing the extinction of many
species.

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