INTRO-TO-PHILO-LESSON-4
Sustainable Development
Definition: Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations.
Key Concepts:
Needs: Essential needs of the world's poor.
Limitations: Constraints imposed by technology and social organization on environmental sustainability.
Principles of Sustainability
Environmental Integrity
Maintaining the state of the environment.
Economic Efficiency
Prudent decision-making to minimize waste.
Equity
Conservation of resources for future generations.
Environmental Ethics
Definition: Philosophy studying the moral relationship between humans and the environment.
Value:
Intrinsic Value: Worth in itself.
Instrumental Value: Means to an end.
Views on Moral Consideration
Anthropocentrism
Only humans have intrinsic value.
Panthocentrism
Intrinsic value extended to higher animals.
Biocentrism
Plants and other living beings have moral consideration.
Ecocentrism
Ecosystems considered as a whole with intrinsic value.
Theories of Radical Ecological Philosophy
Deep Ecology
All living things have equal intrinsic value regardless of utility.
Founder: Arne Naess
Social Ecology
Opposed to hierarchical structures impeding individual nature.
Proponent: Murray Bookchin
Ecofeminism
Links oppression of women with environmental degradation.
Key Figures: Mary Wollstonecraft, Ynestra King
Environmental Challenges
Air Pollution and Climate Change.
Deforestation.
Soil Degradation.
Water Scarcity.
Overpopulation.
Species Extinction.
Waste Disposal.