Environmental Ethics Midterm

William Baxter

Advocates for an anthropocentric view prioritizing human benefit in environmental decision-making.

Anthropocentric

A viewpoint that places humans at the center of consideration in ethical discussions.

Clare Palmer

Explores animal ethics, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature and various ethical approaches.

Animal Rights

A perspective asserting inherent value and basic rights for conscious beings, regardless of reasoning ability or species.

Utilitarianism

An ethical theory that evaluates actions based on the overall pleasure and suffering they produce for all affected beings.

Paul W. Taylor

Proposes a life-centered theory of environmental ethics emphasizing respect for nature and inherent worth of nonhuman entities.

Biocentric Outlook

Belief that all living things have intrinsic value and that humans are part of Earth's community of life.

Aldo Leopold

Introduced the concept of land ethic, expanding the moral community to include soils, waters, plants, and animals.

Land Ethic

An ethical framework guiding individual responsibility for the health of the land and its capacity for self-renewal.

Lily-Marlene Russow

Critiques traditional species preservation analyses and argues obligations toward species must balance individual animal protection.

Kyle Whyte

Focuses on Indigenous perspectives on environmental justice, highlighting kinship relationships with nature.

Robin Kimmerer

Emphasizes reciprocity with nature and ethical engagement in using natural resources.

Toby Ord

Analyzes the ethical implications of population growth and its potential threats to humanity.

Garrett Hardin

Introduced the concept of 'The Tragedy of the Commons' explaining rational self-interest leading to resource depletion.

Robert Bullard

Key figure in environmental justice focusing on racial disparities in environmental hazards.

Environmental Racism

The disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on marginalized communities, emphasizing structural inequalities.

Principle of Commensurate Benefits and Burdens (PCBB)

Suggests that those benefiting from an activity should also bear the associated burdens.

Kevin DeLuca

Critiqued the focus on environmental justice within the environmental movement, suggesting an imbalance in attention.