Assume that Sinnott-Armstrong is correct that individuals have no obligation to reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions. Which of these claims would follow from that assumption?
A) Governments have no obligation to reduce their citizens' greenhouse gas emissions.
B) There is nothing morally admirable about reducing your own greenhouse gas emissions.
C) You have no reason to reduce your own greenhouse gas emissions.
D) It is sometimes permissible to perform an activity although a large group of people performing that same activity will harm many people.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sinnott-Armstrong's argument, if correct, suggests that individual actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are not morally obligatory, which implies that it could be permissible for individuals to engage in activities that, when scaled up by a large group, could cause harm. This does not necessarily mean that governments have no obligation (A), that there is nothing morally admirable about individual actions (B), or that individuals have no reasons at all to reduce emissions (C), but rather that the moral obligation might not be as direct or individual-based as some argue.

Assume That Sinnott-Armstrong Is Correct That Individuals Have No Obligation