Changing world: How should the Earth's resources be used?

What is stewardship in Christianity?

The belief that humans are responsible for caring for God’s creation.

What is dominion?

The belief that humans have authority over the Earth and animals.

How do some Christians interpret dominion positively?

As responsible leadership and care rather than exploitation.

Why is stewardship important in environmental ethics?

It encourages protection and sustainability of the Earth.

Evaluate stewardship as an environmental approach.

It promotes responsibility, though some argue religious teachings are interpreted differently.

What is Khalifah in Islam?

The belief that humans are trustees or caretakers of the Earth on behalf of Allah.

Why is Khalifah important in Islam?

Muslims believe humans have a duty to protect creation and avoid waste.

What is the Islamic view of the environment?

Nature is a sign of Allah and should be treated with respect.

Why is waste discouraged in Islam?

Wastefulness is viewed as irresponsible and harmful.

How does Khalifah relate to climate change?

It encourages environmental responsibility and sustainable living.

Evaluate religious environmental ethics.

Religious teachings can motivate care for the Earth, though action varies between believers.

What is Tikkun Olam?

A Jewish concept meaning “repairing the world.”

Why is Tikkun Olam important in Judaism?

It encourages social justice, responsibility and improving society.

How does Tikkun Olam relate to personal responsibility?

Individuals are expected to contribute positively to the world.

Why is personal responsibility important ethically?

Individual actions affect society, the environment and others.

What does Tikkun Olam suggest about morality?

People should actively work to reduce suffering and injustice.

Who is Pope Francis?

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

What is Laudato Si’?

An encyclical written by Pope Francis about environmental responsibility.

What is an encyclical?

An official letter written by the Pope addressing important issues.

Why is Laudato Si’ significant?

It links environmental issues with morality, poverty and global justice.

What environmental concerns does Pope Francis raise?

Pollution, climate change and consumerism.

Why does Pope Francis criticise consumerism?

Excessive consumption damages the environment and increases inequality.

Evaluate Laudato Si’.

It encourages global responsibility, though critics argue political and economic change is difficult.

Who is Peter Singer?

A philosopher known for his views on animal rights and ethics.

What does Peter Singer argue about animals?

Animals deserve moral consideration because they can suffer.

What is speciesism?

Discrimination against beings based solely on species.

Why does Singer criticise speciesism?

He believes suffering matters regardless of species.

What ethical theory influences Peter Singer?

Utilitarianism.

How does utilitarianism relate to animal rights?

Actions should minimise suffering and maximise wellbeing for all sentient beings.

Evaluate Singer’s argument for animal rights.

It encourages compassion and reduces suffering, though critics prioritise human needs.

Who was Mary Midgley?

A philosopher who argued animals matter morally and emotionally.

Why did Mary Midgley criticise human superiority?

She believed humans are interconnected with animals and nature.

How did Midgley view animals?

As valuable living beings deserving moral respect.

Why did Midgley reject extreme individualism?

She believed humans are deeply connected to other living creatures.

Compare Peter Singer and Mary Midgley.

Both argued animals deserve moral consideration, though Singer focused more on suffering and Midgley on relationships and respect.

Why are animals important in modern ethics?

Debates continue about suffering, rights and environmental responsibility.

How do religious teachings influence environmental ethics?

They encourage responsibility, compassion and respect for creation.

Why is climate change considered a moral issue?

Human actions affect future generations, ecosystems and vulnerable communities.

Compare stewardship and Khalifah.

Both teach humans are responsible for caring for the Earth on behalf of God.

Compare dominion and stewardship.

Dominion emphasises human authority, while stewardship emphasises responsibility and care.

Why do modern environmental debates involve religion and philosophy?

Questions about responsibility, ethics and human behaviour shape responses to global issues.

What is a criticism of religious environmental ethics?

Some argue religious teachings alone may not solve environmental problems.

Why are environmental issues increasingly urgent?

Climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss threaten global wellbeing.

What does modern environmental ethics encourage?

Sustainable living, compassion and long-term responsibility.