Environmental Ethics Flashcards
Philosophy timeline and key philosophers
ANCIENT - Greek: Socrates, Aristotle and Plato
MEDIEVAL - Theology: Aquinas and A
MODERN - Rationality: Descartes, Kant and Rousseau
Environmental views of mankind through the ages:
ANCIENT - Anthropocentric. Assumed HIERARCHY and superiority of humans
MEDIEVAL - The planet was created by God for the use of man. Anthropocentric “Imago Dei” & assumed obligation of husbandry like looking after the planet
MODERN - human superiority due to reason/rationaloty. Anthropocentricity remains despite “enlightenment” and new discoveries
Do we belong to nature or does nature belong to us?
• Classical/greek philosophy proposes that nature belongs to us. Human kind are the masters of the universe. Anthropocentric approach
• Medieval philosophy proposes plants and animals were subordinate for man’s use.
• Modern philosophy proposes man uniquely capable of moral autonomy
What is the linear relationship assumed through all 3 fine phases between man and everything else?
Plants —> animals —> mankind
Across all 3 time periods, what is always recognised?
Time sensitivity
Where are we now in terms of nature?
• Can our role with nature be viewed as husbandry or is it control?
• Has our initial position with regards to nature changed?
• Now we talk of ecology, preservation, sustainability, green and carbon footprint. Are we playing or is it lip service to an ideal?
Are environmental efforts dependent on political will, economic gain or common good? Are they part of our categorical imperative for future generations or are they a means to show case our moral virtue
In contemporary philosophy, who no longer assumes anthropocentricity?
Peter Singer who is a utilitarian and animal rights activist who speaks on the moral status of animals and the duty of mankind to the environment.
He proposes a web of intricate relationships between humans and nature and human dignity and responsibility via control.
3 Statements by American ecologist Aldo Leopold:
“The well being and flourishing of human & non human life on earth have intrinsic value. These values are INDEPENDENT of the usefulness of the non-human world for human purposes”
“Richness & diversity of life forms contribute to the realisation of these values and are also values in themselves”
“Humans have NO RIGHT to reduce this richness and diversity except to satisfy vital needs”
Name some engineering environmental problems (8):
• Pollution
• Global Warming
• Deforestation
• Ocean acidification
• Loss of biodiversity
• Ozone depletion
• Overpopulation
ECSA expectations
• Have due regard for, and in their work, avoid adverse impact on the environment
• Adhere to generally accepted principles of sustainable development
Environmental buzz words (7)
• Minimal environmental impact
• Sustainable design
• Green engineering
• Sustainable development
• Environmental protection
• Culturally inclusive
• Environmental Justice
Practical implications of environmentalism:
• What & how to site projects
• What materials to be used
• What methods to be used and implemented, construction, mechanical disposal, etc
• does design and planning address current and future concerns? Time/generation sensitive
2 approaches for analysis of environmental issues
COST OBLIVIOUS APPROACH:
Not practical, resonates with duty and rights ethics. Very one sided.
COST BENEFIT APPROACH:
Very practical, resonates with utilitarianism. Tends to ignore special interests (minority) and seeks the common good.
Weaknesses of cost-oblivious approach:
• Cost not taken into account
• Money is a finite resource as is the environment. Falls to taxpayers to fund
• Difficult approach to uphold where costs and profits are important. Often linked with ‘rights’ and political will, hence tax payer provides funding solution for cost-oblivious projects. Often associated with retro projects.
Weaknesses of cost-benefit approach
• Assumes costs are important but often true costs are incalculable
• Requires a lot of guesswork, not very accurate
• Who pays and who benefits isn’t always clear
• Doesn’t directly look into ethics. Does not ask if what is proposed is right or wrong.
