Climate Change, Opinions, and Imagination: Toward a New Ethic of Curiosity

MORAL IMPERIALISM: A CRITICAL ANTHOLOGY, p. 320, B. Hernandez, ed., New York University Press 2002

St. John's Legal Studies Research Paper

17 Pages Posted: 9 Mar 2012

See all articles by Mary L. Lyndon

Mary L. Lyndon

St. John's University - School of Law

Date Written: 2002

Abstract

Conflicts over what to do about environmental problems can stretch social cohesion to a breaking point. Groups with different value commitments find it hard to communicate with each other when collaborative action will demand a shift of perspective. Especially when there are significant uncertainties, discussion may become focused on minor factual disputes. This chapter explores the obstacles to social learning in the context of climate change. It suggests that the familiar format of debate and argument discourages recognition of ambiguities and complexities. Debate and analogous forms of discourse, including litigation, should find a way to formally accommodate “curiosity” about what is known and what is yet to be discovered. In addition, there is a need for presentation of policy options in more extended and publicly accessible formats.

Suggested Citation

Lyndon, Mary L., Climate Change, Opinions, and Imagination: Toward a New Ethic of Curiosity (2002). MORAL IMPERIALISM: A CRITICAL ANTHOLOGY, p. 320, B. Hernandez, ed., New York University Press 2002, St. John's Legal Studies Research Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1947513

Mary L. Lyndon (Contact Author)

St. John's University - School of Law ( email )

8000 Utopia Parkway
Jamaica, NY 11439
United States

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