Unit 1 - Enviornmental Values and Worldviews Flashcards
Nature definition *
(Not from notes)
The physical world collectively, including plants, animals, the landscape, and other features and products of the earth, as opposed to humans or human creations
Natural definition *
(Not from notes)
Existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind
Environment definition *
(Not from notes)
The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates
Worldviews definition
- A lense shared by a group of people through which they percieve, make sense of, and act within their
enviornment. - These are larger than oneself - a collective set of values held by communities
- Due to the global nature of our world today, people’s worldviews can be influenced from beyond their local community.
Values definition
- Qualities or principales that people feel have worth and importance in life.
- Values affect people’s priorities, judgements, perspectives and choices.
- They are individual but are shared with, and shaped by, others in a community.
- The values that underpin our perspectives can be seen in our communication and actions with the wider community.
- The values held by organizations can be seen through advertisements, media, policies and actions.
Perspectives definition
- How a PARTICULAR SITUATION is viewed and understood by an individual.
- These are based on a mix of personal and collective assumptions, values and beliefs and gives rise to a wide range of different positions on environmental and social issues.
- These perspectives inform and justify a view of a particular situation.
Arguments are then made to support or counter a perspective.
Environmental Worldviews
Definition
Worldviews that are broadly classified in the ESS as ecocentric, anthropocentric, technocentric
Ecocentric views
- being subject to nature,
rather than in control of it - natural world should be
respected for its processes
and products - integrates social, spiritual
and environmental
dimensions into a holistic
ideal. - puts ecology and nature as
central to humanity - emphasizes a less
materialistic approach to
life
Anthropocentric views
- humans must
sustainably manage the
global system. - This might be through
the use of taxes,
environmental regulation
and legislation. - Debate would be
encouraged to reach a
consensual, pragmatic (sensible)
approach to solving
environmental problems.
Technocentric views
- absolute faith in
technology and industry - humans have control over nature
- environmental problems
are seen as problems to
be solved using science - solutions to our
environmental problems
today lie in scientific and
technological advancement
System definition
- A system is any collection of components that work together to perform a function. All of them are interconnected.
- It is the current balance among the earth’s systems that allow life to flourish on earth.
(Eg. machinery, education, prision/penal system, ecosystem, governement)
Earths Spheres
(B.A.H.L)
- Biosphere: includes all living organisms, bio = living
- Atmosphere: gaseous envelope surrounding earth, weather & climate is generated
- Hydrosphere: Earth’s supply of water - solid, liquid, & gaseous forms
- Lithosphere: Solid & rock of the earths crust
What are some imputs that can influence perspectives?
What are the outputs as a result?
Religion, education, familial biases, peers, lived experiences, location.
Biases being passed on from one family to offspring, certain values due to religion, family viewpoints, can effect how you voice your opinion, actions
What happens when we interfere with the enviornment?
- Severe repercussions
- All aspects of environment are connected
- Changing one can cause domino affect
What are the types of systems?
Open - Matter and energy flow in and out (eg. any ecosystem such as forsest)
Closed - Energy flow in and out NOT matter (eg. earth for the most part)
Isolated - No matter or energy exchanged (eg. entire cosmos)
