Environmental Ethics, Faith, and Justice (Chapter 1.5)
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is an example of moral extensionism?

  • Maintaining social hierarchies
  • Believing all humans should have equal rights (correct)
  • Privately owning land without restrictions
  • Treating animals with respect and compassion (correct)

    • How have societal views on slavery changed from ancient Greece to today?

  • Most societies now consider slavery unethical. (correct)
  • Slavery is deemed a legal right for property owners.
  • Slavery is now accepted but regulated.
  • The concept of slavery has not changed significantly.

    • What primary right is often granted to owners of private resources?

  • The right to maintain environmental standards
  • The right to restrict access to their property by others
  • The right to use their resources as they see fit (correct)
  • The right to receive community approval for their actions

    • Which of the following reflects a change in ethical views over time?

    <p>All humans are recognized as having basic rights</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do core beliefs play in personal decision-making?

    <p>They can influence actions, spending, and voting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about ethical views is accurate?

    <p>Ethical views can evolve with time and experience.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What challenge might individuals face regarding their core beliefs?

    <p>Recognizing them is often difficult due to their depth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primarily motivates the Creation Care Network's environmental initiatives?

    <p>Religious beliefs and ethical justification</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following groups is NOT mentioned as being disproportionately affected by environmental health risks?

    <p>Wealthy white individuals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term is used to describe the inequitable distribution of environmental hazards based on race?

    <p>Environmental racism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the leading environmental health problem for children in the United States according to the Federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry?

    <p>Lead poisoning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor contributes significantly to environmental contamination in Native American communities?

    <p>Sovereignty and lack of state regulation coverage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are minorities disproportionately represented in communities with locally unwanted land uses (LULUs)?

    <p>They make up a larger share of the population in impacted areas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What practice has been linked to the targeting of poor communities of color for waste disposal?

    <p>Toxic colonialism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of whites live in communities with uncontrolled toxic waste sites compared to other racial groups mentioned?

    <p>Less than 10 percent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has resulted in a land rush for waste disposal companies to Native American reservations?

    <p>Exemption from hazardous waste regulations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What common misconception exists regarding lead poisoning in racial demographics?

    <p>Blacks suffer less lead poisoning than whites</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the fundamental moral arguments regarding the treatment of animals?

    <p>Animals possess both instrumental and intrinsic value.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which court case is associated with the concept of nature having legal standing?

    <p>The Sierra Club v. Disney Corporation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Christian teachings historically influence environmental exploitation?

    <p>By emphasizing domination over natural resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What stance do major religions collectively take regarding environmental stewardship?

    <p>They encourage the protection of the earth and its creatures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concept has become prominent among evangelical Christians in the U.S. relating to environmental concern?

    <p>Creation care</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'ahimsa' mean in Hinduism and Buddhism?

    <p>Avoiding harm to other creatures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key reason the Sierra Club’s lawsuit was significant in environmental philosophy?

    <p>It argued that nature should have legal rights.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which moral perspective sees nature as merely a resource for human use?

    <p>Instrumental value perspective</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What motivation underpins many religious organizations’ push for environmental action today?

    <p>A sense of moral obligation to care for creation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Christopher D. Stone's significant contribution to environmental law?

    <p>He suggested that living beings should have legal standing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common belief in both the Koran and other major religions regarding nature?

    <p>All beings have value and rights within nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has been a common theme in discussions among religious leaders regarding environmental protection?

    <p>Collaborative calling for stewardship of the earth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Lynn White Jr.'s argument, what has historically contributed to ecological crisis in Christian societies?

    <p>Commands to dominate and exploit nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the concept of 'dominion' play in religious texts concerning nature?

    <p>It grants unrestricted use and power over nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Environmental Ethics and Worldviews

    • Environmental interpretations and resource management decisions are influenced by underlying worldviews.
    • Ethical considerations regarding environmental responsibility (e.g., conservation, species preservation) arise.
    • Ethical views are shaped by personal experiences, societal norms, and evolve over time.
    • Ancient Greek ethical thinkers often condoned practices now considered unethical (e.g., slavery).
    • Societies often view natural resources as private property, with owners having the right to use/abuse them.
    • Core beliefs influence actions, spending habits, and voting choices.

    Moral Extensionism

    • Moral value is extended to larger circles (e.g., humans, animals, ecosystems).
    • Historical shift in recognizing rights for diverse groups (women, minorities, children, animals).
    • Extending moral value considerations to different entities (forests, inanimate objects).
    • Inherent value (intrinsic right to exist) versus instrumental value (usefulness to someone) is crucial in determining moral standing.

    Environmental Justice

    • Environmental health risks disproportionately affect marginalized communities (e.g., people of color, low-income).
    • Environmental injustice is exemplified by unequal distribution of environmental hazards based on race.
    • Poverty and race are often correlated, making poor communities of color more vulnerable to pollution exposure.
    • "Environmental racism" describes the inequitable distribution of environmental hazards due to race.
    • Examples include lead poisoning in children from historical pollutants.
    • Native American communities face unique challenges related to environmental hazards on reservations.
    • Toxic colonialism involves targeting poor communities of color for waste disposal or risky technologies.

    Religious Perspectives on the Environment

    • Religious traditions provide motivations for environmental protection and stewardship.
    • Some religious texts emphasize dominion over nature, while also advocating for care and preservation.
    • Stewardship, creation care, and avoiding harm to other creatures are key religious values affecting our treatment of the environment.
    • Interfaith collaboration, like the Ohito Declaration, recognizes common environmental responsibilities.
    • Religious leaders (e.g., Pope Francis) are increasingly outspoken about environmental issues.
    • The Sierra Club's legal challenge to the Disney Corporation for Mineral King Valley highlights the desire to include environmental entities in legal proceedings.
    • "Should Trees Have Standing?" legal brief argued for granting legal standing to organisms and ecological systems.
    • Despite the Supreme Court case overturning the initial decision, it promoted the idea of granting moral standing to nature.
    • Environmental scientists and historians (e.g., Lynn White Jr.) have investigated the historical roots of environmental crises, drawing connections between religious values and practices.

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