Conventional Moral Thought Flashcards
What is conventional moral thought based on?
Anthropocentrism = belief that nature only has value to support humans needs because humans needs and wants are of overriding philosophical and moral importance.
What do humans disregard natural world
See natural world in instrumental terms so humans can use it all regardless of the ecological consequences
They assume unlimited possibilities for wealth and growth.
What will conventional moral thought lead to?
Tragedy of the commons
Global commons : fisheries, forests subject to degradation as humans continue to exploit it for own gain.
We have open access to collective resources.
Use it for self interest not come give good.
Why will the commons eventually be destroyed?
Space ship earth.
Who came up with spaceship earth?
Kenneth boulding.
What is the notion of spaceship earth?
What does it lead to ?
That wealth is limited and exhaustible because earth is a spaceship.
Earth is on its own, a capsule, closed system no external inputs to sustain it.
Therefore closed system becomes exposed to entropy- all systems decay eventually if closed.
Will not rejuvenate itself, once gone, it’s gone.
Reflected in energy crisis - finite resources is a closed system.
What did e. F shumaker argue?
Human beings have made mistake of regarding energy as an income continually topped up rather than natural capital, we have to live off it.
How have ecologists challenged conventional moral thought?
Sustainability
What do political parties prioritise over sustainability/ environmental protection?
Economic growth.
Why do ecologists stress idea of closed system/ finite resources?
Because if humans continue to use earth in Anthropocentric uncontrollable manner, than it will run out. Energy finite resources is a reflection of whole earth.
Define sustainability
Ability for systems to maintain health and stability over a period of time.
