Environmental Ethics and Virtue Ethics

A set of flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on Environmental Ethics and Virtue Ethics.

Adam Smith's 'Invisible Hand'

A theory that when individuals pursue their own economic self-interest, they unintentionally contribute to societal good.

Tragedy of the Commons

A scenario where shared resources are depleted because individuals act in their self-interest, leading to collective suffering.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Anthropocentrism

The belief that humans are the central or most significant entities, often leading to human-centered ethical frameworks.

Speciesism

Discrimination based on species membership, treating human interests as superior to those of other animals without justification.

Sentience

The capacity to experience pleasure or pain; a basis for moral consideration in ethical theories.

Gasland (2010)

A documentary exposing environmental and health risks associated with hydraulic fracturing (fracking).

Eudaimonia

True happiness in Aristotle's virtue ethics, achieved by living a life of virtue in accordance with reason.

Virtue

A habitual disposition to act rightly, developed through practice, education, and deliberation.

The Golden Mean

Aristotle's concept that virtue lies between two extremes: excess and deficiency.

Nonmaleficence

The ethical principle of 'do no harm,' particularly relevant in engineering and professional ethics.

Integrity

A self-governance virtue involving honesty and moral principles.