Foundation - 1.1 Perspectives Flashcards
Perspective
How a particular situation is viewed and understood by an individual
Argument
A statement made to support a personally held perspective or to counter a different one
Values
Qualities or principles that people feel have worth and importance in life (may be individual or held by a group)
Worldviews
Lenses shared by groups of people through which they percieve, make sense of, and act within their environment
Environmental value system?
A model that shows the inputs affecting our perspectives and the outputs resulting from our perspectives.
What can influence EVS? (4 factors)
- cultural
- religious
- socio-cultural
- economic
Intrinsic value
Nature has value in its own right, independent of human causes
Ecocentrism
A philosophical and ethical approach that prioritises the intrinsic value of nature and the environment over human needs and interest
Anthroprocentrism
A worldview that places human beings at the centre of Earth, prioritising their needs and interest over other living beings and the environment
Technocentrism
A worldview that places technology and human ingenuity at the centre of all problem-solving and decision-making processes, often overlooking the impact on the environment
Features of ecocentrism (name 3)
- Nature has inherent value
- Minimum disturbnace to natural processes
- Nature is central to humanity
- Self-imposed restraint on use of natural resources
- Prioritises biorights and emphasises importance of environmental education
Features of anthropocentrism (name 3)
- Humans must sustainably manage global systems (through taxes, legislation, regulations etc.)
- Everyone should participate in environmental decision-making
- Economic growth and exploitation of natural resources can continue if managed carefully
Features of technocentrism (name 3)
- Despite exploitation of resources, technology will provide the solution to environmental problems
- Scientific research and predictions
- Emphasises importance of sustaining global market and ensuring economic growth
Advantages of Ecocentrism (name 2)
- Reuses materials so increases sustainability
- Minimises environmental impact by encouraging restraint
- Better for long-term human wellbeing
- No need to wait for technology to develop
Disadvantages of Ecocentrism (name 2)
- Conservation can be expensive with no obvious or quick economic return
- Many countries are still developing economically and argue they should be allowed to continue
- Difficult to change individual attitudes
