Environmental Ethics and Philosophy ETHS204
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Questions and Answers

Who developed the principle of utility, also known as the greatest happiness principle?

  • Jeremy Bentham (correct)
  • David Hume
  • John Stuart Mill
  • Immanuel Kant

    • What is the key difference between utilitarianism and deontology?

  • Utilitarianism is concerned with the environment, while deontology is concerned with individual rights
  • Utilitarianism judges actions based on their consequences, while deontology judges actions based on their inherent rightness or wrongness (correct)
  • Utilitarianism focuses on individual happiness, while deontology focuses on collective happiness
  • Utilitarianism is a duty-based ethics, while deontology is a consequence-based ethics

    • What is the categorical imperative, according to Immanuel Kant?

  • A rule that all actions should be judged based on their inherent rightness or wrongness
  • A rule that all our actions should be judged based on the principle of utility
  • A rule that all actions should be judged based on their consequences
  • A rule that all our actions should be judged according to a universal moral law (correct)

    • What is the main concern of those who think we ought to act to slow global climate change?

    <p>Reducing greenhouse gas emissions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which ethical approach is concerned with the development of virtues and character?

    <p>Virtue ethics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main criticism of utilitarianism in the context of environmental ethics?

    <p>It prioritizes human happiness over environmental well-being</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the central aspect of human nature that Kant believed gives humans moral worth?

    <p>Rationality</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Kant, what is owed to nonrational beings?

    <p>Indirect duties</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the focus of Virtue Ethics, according to the text?

    <p>Character development and traits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the opposite of a virtue, according to the text?

    <p>A vice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can we ensure environmental care, according to Virtue Ethics?

    <p>By inculcating the right virtues in people</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the implication of Kant's view on property rights and environmental responsibility?

    <p>Property owners have indirect duties to the environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of environmental ethics?

    <p>Human beings' ethical relationship with the natural environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When did environmental ethics emerge as a specific discipline?

    <p>1970s</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which ethical theory holds that an action is right or wrong based on its consequences?

    <p>Utilitarianism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main concern of Virtue Ethics in the context of environmental ethics?

    <p>The development of good character traits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between Kantian Ethics and environmental duties?

    <p>Kantian Ethics emphasizes indirect duties towards the environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of environmental virtues in the context of Virtue Ethics?

    <p>To develop good character traits that promote human flourishing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Modern Utilitarian Theory

    • Developed by Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) and John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)
    • Principle of Utility (Greatest Happiness Principle): actions or behaviors are right if they promote happiness or pleasure over pain

    Utilitarianism and the Environment

    • Supports taking care of the environment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote happiness
    • Opponents of environmental regulations also use consequentialist grounds to argue against regulations

    Deontology (Duty-Based Ethics)

    • Developed by Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)
    • Judges morality of an action based on the rightness or wrongness of the action itself, not its consequences
    • Kant's Categorical Imperative:
      • Universal Law Formula: "Act only according to that maxim or rule that you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law"
      • Humanity Formula: "Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of another, always at the same time as an end and never simply as a means"
    • Emphasizes rationality, which makes humans special and worthy of moral consideration

    Virtue Ethics (Character-Based Ethics)

    • Focuses on character development rather than moral theories or principles
    • Asks "What makes someone a good person?" or "What is it to live a good life?"
    • Virtues are good character traits, while vices are opposite of virtues and prevent humans from flourishing
    • Inculcating virtues needed for environmental care can lead to good environmental outcomes

    Environmental Ethics

    • Branch of ethics that studies the relation of human beings and the environment
    • Concerns human beings' ethical relationship with the natural environment
    • Developed as a specific discipline in the 1970s due to increasing environmental awareness

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    Explore the concept of environmental ethics, which studies the relationship between human beings and the environment, and how ethics play a role in this relationship.

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