Ecologism

Question 1

Define ecologism

Answer 1

• A movement that proposes fundamental change to the nature of society and our relationship with our physical environment.
• It is built on the scientific evidence of ecology, making it a legitimate ideology.
• Referred to as ‘dark green ecologism’

Question 2

Define environmentalism

Answer 2

• A general political concern for the environment
• not an ideology. May be moderate or radical.
• They do not believe society needs fundamental transformation.
• Known as ‘light green ecologism’

Question 3

What is Biodiversity?

Answer 3

A belief that the fullest possible range of the Earth’s plant and animal species should be preserved.

Question 4

What are the two main bases for belief in Biodiversity?

Answer 4

Shallow Ecology view; biodiversity is desirable for its own sake, life is enriched by the existence of many different species
Deep ecology view; life is one single web and if parts are lost then the whole of nature suffers.

Question 5

What is Holism?

Answer 5

All of nature is a single organic whole. Any change or damage to one aspect will affect the whole. No one can fully calculate the damage to other areas that changing one area will cause, so we should avoid interfering with any aspect of nature.

Question 6

what are the core tenets of Ecologism?

Answer 6

• Opposition to Anthropocentrism
• Natural Quality of Life
• Anti-Industrialisation

Question 7

Define Anthropocentrism

Answer 7

the notion that humankind is the centre of the natural world, and has the right to use nature for its own purpose

Question 8

Explain the Ecologist’s opposition to Anthropocentrism

Answer 8

-Humans are part of nature, not above it. They do not have the right to abuse other parts of nature for their own gain

Question 9

Explain ‘Natural Quality of Life’ as a key belief of Ecologism

Answer 9

• Opposed to quality of life in capitalist system defined by how much you can buy.
• Quality of life is really linked to healthy natural environment

Question 10

Why are ecologists opposed to the capitalist definition of quality of life?

Answer 10

-Increasing desire for material wealth leads to depletion of the earth’s resources

Question 11

Explain ‘Anti-Industrialisation’ as a core belief of Ecologism

Answer 11

Industrialisation is an enemy to the wellbeing of the environment.

Question 12

What are the types of Ecologism?

Answer 12

• Liberal Environmentalism
• Shallow Ecologism
• Deep Ecologism

Question 13

Explain Liberal Environmentalism

Answer 13

• Does not propose revolutionary change
• Not opposed to Anthropocentrism
• Focused on future of humanity
• ‘Instrumental’ methods. What the individual can do to be more ‘green’

Question 14

Explain the key beliefs of Light Green/Shallow Ecologism

Answer 14

• Humankind as a ‘Steward’
• Preserve earth on its own merit
• Diversity is important
• Science based; non-philosophical
• Unknown consequences of our actions
• All ecological problems are interconnected.

Question 15

Explain the key beliefs of Dark Green/Deep Ecologism

Answer 15

• Complete opposition to anthropocentrism/need to change consciousness
• Holism
• Science and Philosophy/Religion based

Question 16

What is the Liberal Environmentalist view on Holism?

Answer 16

Environmental issues can be treated separately

Question 17

What is the Light Green Ecologist view on Holism?

Answer 17

Different aspects of the natural world are interconnected and we don’t know the effect one thing will have on the rest

Question 18

What is the Dark Green Ecologist view of Holism?

Answer 18

Earth is a single organism. Affecting one thing affects everything

Question 19

What different kinds of methods do different kinds of Environmentalists/Ecologists have?

Answer 19

Lib Env; Non-Radical, Instrumental
Light G; Reformist Instrumental
Dark G; Radical, Consciousness Changing

Question 20

List the key ideas of eco-anarchists

Answer 20

• reject materialism and consumerism, due to decrease in human well-being and ecologically unsustainable economic growth.
• Construction of decentralised societies, living closer to nature
• ‘Social Ecology’; spontaneous and harmonious nature of ecosystems can be applied to social organisation

Question 21

How have ecologists shown a concern for future generations?

Answer 21

• Commitment to environmental sustainability

- Light Greens consider benefit to human species, not just current generation

Question 22

Why have ecologists shown a concern for future generations?

Answer 22

• ‘Stewardship’; taking care of nature for the future generation
• Natural duty, moral concern for future generations.

Question 23

Ẁhat is conventional moral thinking, and how do ecologists reject or not reject it?

Answer 23

• Morals based around human wellbeing
• Light Greens don’t reject it.
• Dark greens do reject it.

Question 24

What is eco-socialism?

Answer 24

Capitalism is the problem with the environment.

Question 25

In what ways do ecologists support capitalism?

Answer 25

• Some see it as a solution to ecological disaster because it is an engine for growth and so new technologies to solve the enivronmental issues can be developed
• Market responsiveness to ‘green’ consumers reduces environmental impact

Question 26

‘Deep Ecology lies at the heart of all ecological thinking’ Discuss —> Please Translate this statement

Answer 26

Outline why deep ecologists think they are the only right ones and then outline why shallow ecologists think they are right too

Question 27

Why have ecologists criticised materialism and consumerism?

Answer 27

• Implies direct link between material goods and happiness which is wrong.
• Provides cultural basis for environmental degradation

Question 28

In what ways is ecologism a single doctrine?

Answer 28

• Concern for environmental degradation

- Interconnected nature of the environment (but different degrees)

Question 29

In what way is ecologism not a single doctrine?

Answer 29

• Deep Ecology
• Shallow Ecology
• Eco-Anarchism
• Eco-Socialism
• Eco-Feminism