Ecological Ethics

Question 1

Is there progress in evolution?

Answer 1

yes, in creating adaptations within species.

Question 2

how we rank species

Answer 2

1. ) how related they are to us: chimps high, bacteria low
2. ) self-aware or social species rank high
3. ) orgs that feel pain: animals>plants and mammals>fish
4. ) pets: which animals are our companions, cutest: dangerous animals rank low

Question 3

Anthropocentric ethics

Answer 3

• judging human activities based on how they effect humans now and in the future
• Example: cutting down forests cause us to lose drugs, worsens climate change

Question 4

Biocentric ethics

Answer 4

Extends our ethics to include individuals of other species
because all organisms have intrinsic value.
-hierarchy of species still present–humans>all other species.
-takes into account added value of consciousness, intelligence, ability to feel pain

Question 5

populocentric ethics

Answer 5

• ethics extend from individuals to pops. Populations are the unit of evolution and extinction.
• Causes us to question how our activities endanger other populations

Question 6

Ecocentric ethics

Answer 6

Ethics extend to ecosystems: pops interact within ecosystems

• ecosystems also provide services
• focus: maintaining ecosystem structure and function

Question 7

intrinsic value:

Answer 7

• value independent of humans
• organisms that are self-replicating, with goals to grow and reproduce, self-interest
• biodiversity has intrinsic value