Understanding Worldviews in Environmental Science

These flashcards cover key concepts related to worldviews, environmental governance, and sociological perspectives as discussed in the lecture.

Governance

The way in which organizations or societies are controlled and directed.

Worldview

A fundamental cognitive orientation of an individual or society encompassing their beliefs, values, and knowledge.

Neomalthusianism

A worldview emphasizing that resources are limited and overexploitation can occur if population growth remains unchecked.

Cornucopianism

A worldview that believes resources are essentially infinite and human ingenuity can overcome any limitations.

Holistic Thinking

An approach that considers the whole system and the interconnections between its parts.

Mechanistic Thinking

An approach that views the world as a machine made up of interchangeable parts that function according to fixed laws.

Ecology

The branch of biology that deals with the relationships between living organisms and their environment.

Anthropologist

A social scientist who studies human societies, cultures, and their developments.

Disciplinary Advocacy

Support for a specific field of study or discipline, often in the context of addressing complex societal issues.

NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations)

Organizations that operate independently from the government and are typically focused on social, environmental, or political issues.