Unit 1 Discussion

Introduction

There are many areas of thought that involve the moral relationship between humans and the environment.

Anthropocentrism, meaning "human-centered", is the set of ethics that promotes and protects human interests at the expense of everything else, including the environment. Often, this school of thought focuses on short-term benefits and disregards long-term consequences.

Ecocentrists believe that nature should be able to exist for its own sake, regardless of how useful it is to humans. The focus is on the preservation of ecosystems and other living organisms over the needs of humans.

Questions & Answers on Environmental Ethics

1. When making decisions about the environment, I think taking care of the environment should be the most important. While humans need certain things, we must remember that a healthy environment supports all living things, including people. We need to ensure that nature is protected for both now and the future.

2. We have a big responsibility to fix the environmental problems caused by our actions. This means we should not only stop causing damage but also try to heal and repair nature. We need to care for all living things and their homes. This idea matches the belief that nature has value on its own.

3. We should not do things in the name of protecting the environment that hurt people, especially those who are already struggling. It is important to find a balance where both people and nature can be treated fairly.

4. We need to think carefully about short-term benefits that help people now versus their long-term effects on the environment. If we only focus on quick fixes that could harm our planet later, we will weaken the support that nature provides us. We should aim for plans that protect our world for everyone, including future generations.