HL c. Environmental Ethics

Flashcards covering key concepts from Environmental Ethics lecture notes.

What is Environmental Ethics?

A branch of philosophy that focuses on moral principles and right/wrong behaviors related to the environment.

Why is Ethics Important?

It influences every decision we make, helping our actions align with our values.

How does environmental ethics relate to environmental value systems?

It helps us consider the value of nature, relating to our understanding of world views, broad values, and specific values.

What is Intergenerational Responsibility?

The concept that sustainable development must not take from future generations, and we should provide more for them.

According to Aldo Leopold, what should be included in the moral sphere?

Soils, waters, plants, and animals, or collectively, the land.

What is the ecocentric position regarding nature?

All components of nature have intrinsic and equal rights, influencing ethical judgements.

What is the anthropocentric belief about nature?

Nature exists to serve human needs, aiming to maximize human development and well-being.

What is the central belief of technocentrism?

Technology and human innovation should be the primary drivers of progress and decision-making.

What is intrinsic value?

The value that something possesses simply for existing, for being what it is.

What is instrumental value?

Its usefulness for humans; it is the means to our end, such as ecosystem goods and services.

What is 'moral standing'?

Whether an entity is to be morally considered with regard to how we ought to act towards it.

What is Virtue Ethics?

Focuses on the character of the person doing the action, assuming virtuous people will do good actions.

What is Consequentialist Ethics?

The view that the consequences of an action determine its morality; good consequences equal good actions.

What is Rights-based (Deontological) Ethics?

Focuses on the actions and whether they conflict with the rights of others.

What is the "appeal to nature" fallacy?

Assuming that whatever is natural is correct or good, which is contentious and not always a reliable ethical guide.

What common goals are environmental and social justice movements increasingly seeking?

Equitable and just societies.