Lecture 17 Flashcards
What is environmental ethics?
Environmental ethics is a branch of philosophy that examines the moral relationship between humans and the environment, including the ethical treatment of non-human life and natural resources
Why is environmental ethics important?
It helps address ethical issues related to environmental degradation, resource management, biodiversity conservation, and the moral consideration of ecosystems and animals
How does environmental ethics differ from traditional ethics?
While traditional ethics often focuses on human relationships, environmental ethics extends moral concern to non-human entities like animals, ecosystems, and the planet
What is the central question in environmental ethics?
“Who or what counts from an ethical point of view?” This question asks which entities should be considered for their own sake and whose interests must be included in ethical decision-making
What is anthropocentrism in environmental ethics?
Anthropocentrism is the belief that humans are the most significant species on Earth and that the environment should be valued primarily for its utility to human beings
What is biocentrism in environmental ethics?
Biocentrism argues that all living organisms have inherent value and deserve moral consideration, regardless of their utility to humans
What is ecocentrism in environmental ethics?
Ecocentrism extends moral consideration to entire ecosystems, valuing the health of ecosystems and their biodiversity over individual species or human interests
How does ecocentrism differ from anthropocentrism and biocentrism?
Anthropocentrism:
Focuses on human interests.
Biocentrism:
Extends moral concern to all living organisms.
Ecocentrism:
Prioritizes the health of ecosystems as a whole, including both living and non-living components.
What is moral standing?
Moral standing refers to the status of an entity that warrants moral consideration in ethical decision-making
Who or what has moral standing in environmental ethics?
Entities that have moral standing include humans, animals, ecosystems, and even biotic communities or entire ecological systems, depending on the ethical framework
How does the concept of moral standing relate to environmental ethics?
It determines which beings or entities are included in ethical decisions, such as whether we should consider the interests of animals, plants, or ecosystems when making policy or environmental decisions.
What does “expanding circles of ethical concern” mean?
It refers to the growing recognition that ethical responsibility extends beyond humans to include animals, ecosystems, and the planet as a whole
What role does “expanding circles” play in environmental ethics?
It encourages broader moral consideration and pushes for a more inclusive and holistic approach to ethical issues, recognizing that all forms of life and ecosystems matter
What is the role of ecocentrism in environmental ethics?
Ecocentrism argues that the natural world—comprising both living organisms and their non-living environments—has intrinsic value, independent of human use or perception
How does ecocentrism address environmental degradation?
It calls for the preservation and respect of ecosystems for their own sake, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity
What is the relationship between ecocentrism and sustainability?
Ecocentrism advocates for sustainability by promoting the protection of ecosystems as integral, self-sustaining systems that deserve to be preserved for future generations
What is the role of religion in environmental ethics?
Religious teachings have historically influenced views on nature, often promoting stewardship of the Earth, but also sometimes justifying the domination of nature
How does Western philosophy affect environmental ethics?
Critics argue that Western philosophy, particularly through figures like Descartes, contributed to the dualism between humans and nature, positioning humans as superior to the natural world
What is the “domination of nature” argument in environmental ethics?
The idea that Western religions and philosophies have often endorsed a view of humans dominating nature, which has led to environmental degradation
How does animism and pantheism view nature differently from Western traditions?
Animism and pantheism regard nature as sacred, with all living and non-living elements having inherent value, which contrasts with the anthropocentric view common in Western thought
How do humans relate to nature ethically?
Humans are seen as either stewards, caretakers, or dominators of nature, with varying ethical implications depending on the perspective adopted
(e.g., utilitarian, deontological, ecocentric)
What ethical challenges arise from human exploitation of nature?
Exploitation leads to environmental degradation, such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change, challenging the moral justification of human actions that harm the environment
How can humans address the ethical challenges of environmental exploitation?
By adopting more sustainable practices, enforcing environmental protection laws, and changing societal values toward ecological responsibility and long-term planetary health
How can environmental ethics inform policy decisions?
It can guide decisions regarding land use, resource management, wildlife protection, and climate change, balancing human needs with the health of ecosystems
How does environmental ethics apply to agriculture and food production?
It promotes sustainable farming practices, ethical treatment of farm animals, and reducing the ecological impact of food production, including addressing issues like factory farming and pesticide use
