Strong Anthropocentrism Quiz and Flashcards: Understanding the Concept

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Questions and Answers

What is the central concern of environmental ethics as it pertains to the world of business?

Impact of company activities on the natural world

What is the 'business case' for environmental conservation?

It makes good business or economic sense to take care of the environment.

According to Norman Bowie, what questions need to be addressed regarding corporate attention to environmental concerns?

Obligations towards the natural environment and the motivation for environmental conservation.

What are some concerns raised about environmental degradation and profitability?

Polluting companies benefit from their actions while the costs are borne by everyone. Signup and view all the answers

How does the anthropocentric viewpoint differ from the ecocentric viewpoint in environmental ethics?

Anthropocentric viewpoint prioritizes human interests and profits over the environment. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the ecocentric viewpoint with regard to environmental ethics in the business world.

It emphasizes the intrinsic value of nature over human needs or profits. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between weak anthropocentrism and strong anthropocentrism?

The main difference is that weak anthropocentrism focuses on interpretation based on human perspective, while strong anthropocentrism believes humans deserve to be at the center. Signup and view all the answers

Define non-anthropocentrism and explain its core principle.

Non-anthropocentrism values every object and every animal in nature, believing in everything that sustains itself in nature. Signup and view all the answers

What is psychocentrism and why does it believe human beings are more valuable in the environment?

Psychocentrism believes human beings are more valuable due to their advanced mental capacities compared to other elements in the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of biocentrism in terms of environmental ethics?

Biocentrism imparts importance to all living beings and ensures the proper balance of ecology on the planet. Signup and view all the answers

Who coined the term 'holism' and what does it emphasize about environment systems?

Jan Smuts coined the term holism, which considers environment systems as a whole rather than individual parts, valuing them as interconnected entities. Signup and view all the answers

How does ecocentrism differ from anthropocentrism?

Ecocentrism values the environment as a whole, while anthropocentrism places humans at the center of importance in the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential negative impact of businesses preferring foreign suppliers from countries with lax environmental regulations?

It may contribute to increased CO2 emissions and harm the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of environmental ethics, as defined by Wikipedia?

Protecting natural entities and the sustainable use of natural resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is the core principle of environmental ethics, according to the passage?

Humans are part of society as well as other living creatures, and it is essential to respect and honor them using morals and ethics. Signup and view all the answers

Which paradigm emphasizes the intrinsic value of nature, as mentioned in the passage?

Physiocentrism (also called ecocentrism). Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential issue with businesses trading with states at war or under international embargo?

It may perpetuate conflict or human rights violations. Signup and view all the answers

How does the ecocentric viewpoint differ from the anthropocentric viewpoint in environmental ethics?

The ecocentric viewpoint emphasizes the intrinsic value of nature, whereas the anthropocentric viewpoint prioritizes human interests. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Environmental Ethics

Environmental ethics is a branch of ethics that studies the relationship between human beings and the environment.
It believes that humans are part of society and are connected to other living creatures, including plants and animals.
Environmental ethics emphasizes the importance of respecting and honoring the natural world and using morals and ethics when dealing with it.

Paradigms of Environmental Ethics

The main competing paradigms are anthropocentrism, physiocentrism (also known as ecocentrism), and theocentrism.

Anthropocentrism

Anthropocentrism is a principle that believes human beings are at the center of the environment.
There are two further divisions of anthropocentrism: weak anthropocentrism and strong anthropocentrism.
Weak anthropocentrism believes that human beings are the center because it is only through their perspective that environmental situations can be interpreted.
Strong anthropocentrism believes that human beings are at the center because they rightfully deserve to be there.

Non-Anthropocentrism

Non-anthropocentrism is a principle that gives value to every object, every animal in nature.
It believes that everything that sustains itself in nature has inherent value.

Psychocentrism

Psychocentrism is a principle that believes human beings hold more value in the environment because their mental capacities are better developed and far more complex than any other element in the environment.

Biocentrism

Biocentrism is a philosophy that imparts importance to all living beings.
It ensures the proper balance of ecology on the planet.

Holism

Holism is a philosophy that considers environment systems as a whole rather than individual parts of something.
It considers these environment systems to be valuable.

Impact of Business on the Environment

Environmental ethics is concerned with the impact that a company's activities have on the natural world.
Questions arise about the motivation for corporate attention to environmental concerns.
There can be a strong 'business case' for environmental conservation, as it can make good business or economic sense.
Environmental degradation can often be profitable, as the polluting company gains the benefits, but everyone shares in the costs.

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Description

Explore the differences between weak anthropocentrism and strong anthropocentrism, with a focus on why human beings are considered the center in environmental interpretations. Learn about Peter Vardy's distinction between the two perspectives.

Anthropocentrism: Weak vs Strong