Explore tens of thousands of sets crafted by our community.
Environmental Ethics Essentials
18
Flashcards
0/18
Deep Ecology
A holistic approach to environmental ethics that advocates for the intrinsic worth of all living beings and the need for profound societal change to respect this value. It is significant for its call for radical changes in human behavior and systems to preserve environmental integrity.
Precautionary Principle
This principle advocates for erring on the side of caution in environmental decision-making. If an action or policy has a suspected risk of causing harm to the public or the environment, in the absence of scientific consensus, the burden of proof falls on those advocating for the action. It is significant for preventing harm even with scientific uncertainty.
Stewardship
An ethical principle that implies responsible planning and management of resources, particularly the environment, with the intention of maintaining or enhancing the asset's value for future generations. This highlights our responsibility to manage our shared environment sustainably.
Land Ethic
Developed by Aldo Leopold, this ethic extends the boundaries of the community to include soils, waters, plants, and animals, or collectively: the land. It signifies a respect for the land's health, integrity, and interconnectedness.
Restoration Ethics
An approach focused on restoring damaged ecosystems and environmental features to their original condition. It's significant as it underscores humanity's role in repairing the harms caused by our own actions in nature.
Anthropocentrism
An ethical standpoint that regards humans as the central or most significant species on the planet, often to the detriment of the environment. Its significance lies in its influence on policy and conservation priorities, which may overlook the intrinsic value of non-human entities.
Environmental Justice
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to environmental laws, regulations, and policies. It brings to attention the link between environmental quality and social equality.
Biocentrism
This view holds that all living things have intrinsic value and moral consideration, not just human beings. The significance lies in promoting preservation and respect for all forms of life, leading to a broader environmental protection approach.
Sustainability
Principle focusing on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is significant in ensuring the long-term viability of ecosystems and human societies.
Intrinsic Value
A concept that posits that nature possesses value in its own right, independent of human needs or interests. It is significant for supporting conservation efforts that protect nature for its own sake, not merely for anthropocentric benefits.
Ecocentrism
An ethical principle that puts ecological concerns at the center, emphasizing the importance of ecosystems, species, and natural processes. It suggests that nature has an inherent value beyond human utility and calls for a more sustainable and respectful relationship with the environment.
Environmental Virtue Ethics
A framework that emphasizes developing virtuous character traits, such as humility, respect, and care, as a basis for appropriate environmental behavior. Its significance lies in cultivating attitudes that foster a harmonious and ethical relationship with the environment.
Animal Rights
The principle asserting that animals have rights analogous to human rights, including the right to life and to living without suffering. This concept is crucial for the debate on the humane treatment of animals and biodiversity conservation.
Global Environmental Citizenship
A responsibility and recognition that individuals and communities are part of a global ecosystem with a need to act mindfully for its protection. Its significance comes from encouraging a cross-boundary sense of environmental responsibility and cooperation.
Climate Justice
A term used for framing global warming as an ethical and political issue, addressing the disparate burdens faced by different nations and communities, especially those least responsible for and most vulnerable to climate change. It is significant in creating equitable solutions to climate-related problems.
Intergenerational Justice
The concept that the present generation owes duties to future generations to leave them a non-deteriorated environment. Its significance lies in ensuring the welfare of future humans and the preservation of the environment over time.
Carrying Capacity
A principle addressing the maximum number of individuals that an environment can sustainably support without being degraded. Significance: Encourages limitations on resource use and population growth to preserve environmental stability.
Conservation Ethics
A set of guiding principles designed to manage natural resources wisely, maintain biodiversity, and protect the integrity of ecosystems. Significance is in guiding policy and practice to ensure that natural resources are conserved for future generations.
© Hypatia.Tech. 2024 All rights reserved.