Closing Reflection

 The main takeaways I am leaving this class with are a greater willingness to deeply consider and reflect on approaches to environmental interactions, with more nuanced takes on issues I previously would not have dedicated thought to. Some stand-out topics I have considered more deeply, some of which I still stand conflicted and reflective on, are human/non-human hierarchies, plant pain, and each debate topic we explored in class. Thinking back to my initial reflection, I had assumed I would leave class with more clarity on where I stood in terms of hierarchical thinking between humans and non-humans and how to ethically account for all species in environmental action. I have certainly been willing to embrace shifting from my anthropocentric mindset, and am more cognizant of that a just environmental ethic cannot only account for humans. However, after leaving class discussions on Kantian ethics and Wilson’s responses to his understanding of human/non-human hierarchies, I was still left grappling with whether I agree with providing complete equal moral value to all species. A similar theme of embracing paradigms that are newer to me prevailed after each debate. Even for my debate topic, meat-free Rastall’s, I was initially hesitant to shift my mindset away from the need for readily available meat for students. However, I challenged myself to embrace this new paradigm, gradually becoming more convinced by its potential value. 

I believe I demonstrate that are a lot of questions of environmental ethics to which I do not know my definite answer. I do know, however, that conversations and readings from this class have reminded me of the importance to embrace shifting mindsets despite initial pushback. Ultimately, my more open-minded approach to new paradigms are underscored by one of my most favorite quotes from this block in Regan’s piece from Week 2: “All great movements, it is written, go through three stages: ridicule, discussion, adoption” (38). I leave this class with an affirmed understanding that mindsets initially being ridiculed are not a reason to abandon them entirely. 

I also firmly believe that putting these mindset shifts into practice collectively is essential. This belief was reiterated in the Jeanette Armstrong interview we read during Week 4, where she explores her community’s approach to sustainability as one that is not theorized, but is practical and considered in terms of what you do and what you don’t do (5). As I continue to grapple with questions of the significant mindset shifts I believe are needed for more just approaches to the environment, and also prepare to leave college for what some might call the real world, I will hold on to the importance of extending theory to action. I want to leave this class and the skills it has equipped me with in terms of deep critical thinking and ethical analysis of environmental issues, and continue prioritizing putting into action through community-oriented policy work that elevates ethical thinking.

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