Reading 1-The Self in Context: A Grounding for Environmentalism by Micheal Boylan

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the relational identity of individuals, community dynamics, and the ethical implications for environmentalism as discussed in the lecture notes.

Main Idea and Overall Theme

The core theme explores how human identity is defined by its relationships within social and ecological communities, highlighting the imperative for individuals to understand and responsibly interact with their natural environment to foster global sustainability.

Relational Identity

A concept that emphasizes the role of relationships and social context in defining one's identity.

Intensional Set H

A set defined by certain properties, specifically in this context, the defining features of human beings.

Micro Communities

Small communities where individuals can have personal contact with most members, generally consisting of 500 people or less.

Macro Communities

Larger communities where direct personal contact with all members is impractical, requiring indirect contact through representatives.

Eco-community Worldview Imperative

The principle that each agent must educate themselves about their proximate natural environment and understand their agency within that ecosystem.

Extended Eco-community Worldview Imperative

The responsibility to educate oneself about global biomes and develop duties to protect them based on factual understanding and aesthetic valuing.

Anthropocentric Perspective

An outlook that prioritizes human interests and benefits when considering environmental issues.

Intrinsic Natural Standpoint

A viewpoint that values nature for its own sake, independent of human interests.

Sustainability

The ability of a natural system to maintain its functions and biodiversity over time while adapting to changes.

Environmental Prisoner’s Dilemma

A situation where individual self-interest conflicts with the collective good of the environment, highlighting the challenges of cooperation in environmental ethics.