Ethics and Law Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of environmental ethics?

  • To establish human dominance over nature
  • To promote individual behavior without legal implications
  • To enforce laws that protect human interests
  • To evaluate moral foundations of environmental responsibility (correct)

Which ethical theory posits that the interests of all living beings hold inherent value?

  • Ecocentrism
  • Anthropocentrism
  • Biocentrism (correct)
  • Humanism

In which ethical view is responsibility towards the environment chiefly justified by its benefits to humans?

  • Biocentrism
  • Anthropocentrism (correct)
  • Their ethical commitments
  • Ecocentrism

What flaw is associated with the anthropocentric perspective on environmental ethics?

<p>It fails to recognize life beyond human existence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ecocentrism differs from anthropocentrism by asserting that?

<p>The environment as a whole deserves moral consideration. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle guides the anthropocentric ethical view?

<p>Environmental actions should prioritize human benefits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Biocentrism primarily argues that?

<p>All life forms share the right to exist. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does ecocentrism advocate compared to anthropocentrism?

<p>The entire ecosystem deserves moral consideration. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary definition of sustainable development?

<p>Meeting the needs of current generations while ensuring future generations can meet theirs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT constitute one of the pillars of sustainable development?

<p>Cultural development (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major barrier to achieving social sustainability?

<p>Endemic poverty and widespread injustice. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the concept of environmental sustainability?

<p>The environment must support a defined level of quality and resource extraction indefinitely. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What potential consequence arises from failing to address environmental degradation?

<p>Severe impacts on future ecological health. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an essential aspect of economic sustainability?

<p>Ensuring a defined level of economic production can be maintained indefinitely. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of sustainable development, what role does the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (1992) play?

<p>It established a roadmap for achieving sustainable development. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements exemplifies a misconception about sustainable development?

<p>Sustainability is achievable without considering current generations' needs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Ethics and Environmental Responsibility

  • Ethics defines the concepts of right and wrong and varies across contexts.
  • National laws should align with the ethical values of its residents, promoting a moral society.
  • Ethical actions may not always be supported by law, exemplified by helping neighbors or disposing of waste responsibly.

Environmental Ethics

  • Aims to establish the moral basis for environmental responsibility.
  • Focuses on extending responsibility towards the environment beyond mere concern.

Theories of Moral Responsibility

  • Anthropocentrism (Human-centered Ethics)

    • Responsibility is derived solely from human interests.
    • Assumes only humans hold moral significance, advocating for protection only when beneficial to humans.
    • This perspective is flawed as it overlooks the necessity of maintaining a hospitable Earth for all life forms.
  • Biocentrism (Life-centered Environmental Ethics)

    • Asserts that all life forms (humans, animals, plants, microorganisms) possess an inherent right to life.
    • Emphasizes the intrinsic value of every living entity.
  • Ecocentrism

    • Denotes that the entire environment deserves direct moral consideration.
    • Prioritizes equal rights to life for all beings on Earth, shifting focus towards development, preservation, and conservation.

Sustainable Development (SD)

  • Defined as meeting current needs without compromising future generations’ abilities to meet their own.
  • Aims to alleviate poverty while sustaining ecological health.

Pillars of Sustainable Development

  • Economic Development

    • Ensures long-term economic strength and viability.
  • Social Development

    • Promotes systems that sustain well-being and harmony, addressing issues like poverty and injustice.
  • Environmental Protection

    • Focuses on maintaining a certain level of environmental quality and responsible natural resource extraction.
    • Current degradation of environmental quality poses significant risks for future generations.

Additional Considerations

  • Cultural development may also be included as part of sustainability discussions.
  • The 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro established a foundational roadmap for sustainable development.

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