Gasland Paper Assignment On Engineering Ethics Nassif 2015

Gasland Paper Assignment Engineering Ethics Nassif 2015 The movie Gasland offered a grim depiction of the hydraulic fracturing process. How did the movie alter your perspective on the current situation involving the oil and gas industry and what is occurring throughout the United States and the world? As an engineer and a citizen, which moral frameworks from chapter 9.2 do you think should influence the way we interact with the environment going forward? Also, do you feel the movies’ narrative was biased in any way? If so, please explain.

The documentary Gasland, directed by Josh Fox, presents a stark view of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, highlighting its potential environmental and health risks. Before viewing Gasland, I held a somewhat neutral understanding of fracking, recognizing its role in increasing domestic energy production but unaware of the full extent of its possible consequences. The film dramatically altered my perspective by exposing the significant environmental degradation and water contamination that can result from improper fracturing practices. It vividly illustrated communities experiencing contaminated drinking water, health problems, and ecological harm, prompting me to reconsider the sustainability and morality of relying heavily on fossil fuel extraction through fracking.

As an engineer and citizen, I believe that moral frameworks such as utilitarianism and virtue ethics should guide our interactions with the environment moving forward. Utilitarianism emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number; hence, energy policies should prioritize sustainable practices that maximize societal benefits while minimizing harm. Virtue ethics, on the other hand, underline the importance of moral character, urging engineers and policymakers to develop environmentally responsible solutions rooted in integrity, prudence, and respect for nature. Integrating these frameworks could lead to more ethical decision-making that balances economic development with ecological preservation. Moving forward, engineers should advocate for cleaner energy alternatives and prioritize environmental safety, reflecting a moral commitment to the well-being of both current and future generations.

Regarding bias in Gasland, while the film eloquently portrays the potential dangers of hydraulic fracturing, it arguably emphasizes the negative aspects without equally highlighting the industry's efforts to improve safety standards or the economic benefits of fracking. This balanced perspective is essential to understand the full context. Some critics argue that the film presents a one-sided narrative that may be influenced by advocacy motives, potentially exaggerating certain risks to sway public opinion. Nevertheless, such concerns do not negate the valid environmental and health issues raised, but they underscore the importance of examining multiple viewpoints and scientific evidence before forming definitive conclusions about fracking's safety and morality.

Overall, Gasland serves as a compelling call for more rigorous environmental oversight and responsible engineering practices. As the world navigates energy needs and environmental concerns, it is crucial that we adopt moral frameworks that promote sustainable development, transparency, and accountability. By doing so, engineers and citizens alike can contribute toward a future that balances resource extraction with ecological integrity and societal health.

References

• Fox, J. (2010). Gasland [Film]. HBO Films.
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• Yale Environment 360. (2016). The environmental and health impacts of hydraulic fracturing. Retrieved from https://e360.yale.edu/