SCIENCE LECTURE 2 ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS

Ethics

is one branch of philosophy; it seeks to define
what is right and what is wrong

Environmental Ethics

apply ethical thinking to the natural
world and the relationship between humans and the earth

Three Key Propositions

(1) The Earth and its

creatures have moral

status, in other words,

are worthy of our ethical

concern

2) The Earth and its creatures have intrinsic value,

meaning that they have moral value merely because

they exist, not only because they meet human needs.

(3) Based on the concept of an ecosystem, human

beings should consider “wholes” that include other

forms of life and the environment.

Anthropocentrism

human value, doesnt care about animals

Biocentrism

all living organisms have their own value, biotic factors only

Ecocentrism

Combined, everything has their on value

Development, Preservation, Conservation

Three Common Philosophical Approaches

Conservation

the sustainable use and management of
natural resources including wildlife, water, air, and earth
deposits

Preservation

attempts to maintain in their present

condition areas of the Earth that are so far untouched by

humans. Leave an area as it is

Development

• his approach is the most anthropocentric

• It assumes the human race is, and should be, master of nature.

  • It assumes that the Earth and its resources exist solely for our

  benefit and pleasure.

  • This approach is reinforced by the capitalist work ethic

Preservation

This approach is the most ecocentric.

• It holds that nature has intrinsic value apart from human uses.

• Some preservationists wish to keep large parts of nature intact for

aesthetic or recreational reasons.

Conservation

• This approach finds a balance between unrestrained

  development and preservationism.

  • promotes human well-being but

  considers a wider range of long-term human goods in its

  decisions about environmental management

17 goals

How many sustainable development goals are there?

Definition of Environmental Justice

The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people (regardless of race, color, national origin, or income) in the development and enforcement of environmental laws and policies.

The Burden of Waste (Socioeconomic Gap)

Studies show that affluent members of society generate most of the waste, while impoverished members bear most of the burden of that waste.

Key Issues in Environmental Justice

• Placement of hazardous/polluting facilities.

• Safe housing, lead poisoning, and water quality.

• Access to recreation and environmental information.

• Exposure to noise pollution and hazardous waste cleanup.

Corporate Ethical Conflict

Corporations are designed for profit, which can lead to decisions based on short-term profitability rather than long-term environmental or social benefits.

Greenwashing

A form of corporate misinformation where a company presents a false or misleading green public image or initiatives.

Natural Capitalism

The idea that businesses can expand profits while also taking good care of the environment.

Triple Bottom Line

The ethical criteria for business success that considers social, environmental, and financial impacts. (people, profit, planet)