Module 6: Human and Environmental Ethics

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Questions and Answers

What is the central idea presented by Steven Vogel regarding nature's status?

To establish a hierarchy between human and non-human entities.

To explore the cultural relationships between humans and nature.

To encourage the exploitation of natural resources for human benefit.

To find an appropriate way to understand and defend nature’s ontological and ethical status. (correct)

How do indigenous cultures perceive their relationship with nature?

They recognize a unified family connection with nature. (correct)

They believe nature should be dominated by technology.

They distinguish between human and non-human worlds.

They view themselves as superior to other beings.

What does Paul Taylor state about ethical principles?

They are irrelevant to our duties towards the environment.

They influence our responsibilities towards all living beings. (correct)

They dictate our relationship with human beings only.

They limit our understanding of environmental issues.

According to Andrew Brennan, what is crucial for understanding our impact on the environment?

Studying the moral relationship of human beings to the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What major inquiry arises from discussing environmental ethics?

Whether human beings are responsible for environmental destruction. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'whakapapa' in the context of indigenous knowledge?

A conceptual way of knowing one's genealogy and connection to nature. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'sentientism' emphasize in environmental ethics?

The moral consideration for all sentient beings, including animals. Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective holds that humans must integrate with nature rather than dominate it?

Deep ecology Signup and view all the answers

What is deep ecology characterized as?

A utopian belief system Signup and view all the answers

What concept tells that nature and human actions are mutually influencing?

Correlational thinking Signup and view all the answers

Which view is associated with feminine qualities?

Earth-Centered View Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements is NOT one of the Panch Mahabhutas in Hindu philosophy?

Metal Signup and view all the answers

What do human-centered theories focus on?

Ethical principles guiding human interactions Signup and view all the answers

What does the Yin-Yang concept primarily focus on?

Achieving harmony and balance Signup and view all the answers

What does andocentrism refer to?

A cultural perspective that centers masculinity Signup and view all the answers

Which agent is considered the upholder of the universe according to the Tian-Di-Ren perspective?

Ren (Man) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of life-centered ethical theories?

Include moral considerations for nonhumans Signup and view all the answers

In Hindu philosophy, which sacred text provides significant insights into the relationship between humans and the non-human world?

Vedas Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered the first/primal element in the cosmic elements according to Hindu philosophy?

Water (Apah) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of the Wuxing in relation to the five elements?

Ensuring proportion and balance Signup and view all the answers

Which relationship is emphasized in the concept of interlocking changes between the natural and human worlds?

Interconnectedness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the ideological change mentioned?

Appreciating life quality Signup and view all the answers

What does anthropocentrism primarily emphasize regarding non-human inhabitants?

Their service to human needs Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is criticized for viewing environmental issues through the lenses of patriarchy and sexism?

Ecofeminism Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'moral agent' as discussed in the context of environmental ethics?

Humans who can make moral decisions Signup and view all the answers

What does the criticism against deep ecology mainly revolve around?

Its perceived connection to mysticism Signup and view all the answers

What historical worldview shift is linked to the devaluation of nature and women?

From Earth-centered to sun-centered Signup and view all the answers

How does ecofeminism view the relationship between patriarchy and ecological degradation?

As intertwined issues Signup and view all the answers

What is one criticism of an anthropocentric view of the environment?

It treats nature as an object to be manipulated Signup and view all the answers

What concept in Hinduism emphasizes the non-violence and proper treatment of animals?

Ahimsa Signup and view all the answers

In Islamic belief, what role do human beings have in relation to creation?

They are considered superior with responsibility to care for creation. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the Islamic principle that views each natural entity as having a specific role within the cosmic whole?

Amr Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the Jewish perspective on nature?

Nature is seen as God's creation and is to be managed responsibly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the emphasis of Perfectionist Ethics in relation to environmental actions?

It evaluates actions based on perfection in moral character. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of Hima in Islamic teachings?

Protecting pasture lands or sanctuaries Signup and view all the answers

Which chapter in the Qur'an signifies the importance of nature, as indicated in the text?

31 of 144 chapters are named after natural elements. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT one of the ethical principles outlined in Islamic teachings regarding environmental care?

Utilitarian Ethics Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' signify?

Every living being is interconnected as part of one family. Signup and view all the answers

Which class in the traditional social hierarchy is associated with warriors and kings?

Kshatryia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of the principle 'Tza’ar Ba’alei Chayim'?

Humane treatment of animals and restrictions on their killing. Signup and view all the answers

Which element embodies the belief in the cycle of birth and rebirth?

Reincarnation Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic associated with the 'Daoist' perspective?

Recognition of the connectedness of all living beings. Signup and view all the answers

In which class are the priests and academics categorized?

Brahmin Signup and view all the answers

What does the disruption of balance in existence imply according to the cosmological theory discussed?

It is viewed as a violation of the natural order. Signup and view all the answers

Which element emphasizes the importance of preserving the Earth due to its sacred nature?

Artharva Veda Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Module 6: Human Person and the Environment

Steven Vogel: Argues for finding a way to understand and defend nature's ontological and ethical status.
Andrew Brennan: Studied the moral relationship between humans and the environment, examining how decisions impact everyone involved.
Paul Taylor: Outlines ethical principles governing human relations with the Earth's natural environment and its inhabitants.
Key Environmental Issues: Whether humans are responsible for the destruction of the natural world.

Cultural/Regional Perspectives

Indigenous Cultures: View humans as part of a unified family with nature, feeling accountable for the environment.
Chinese Culture: Emphasizes correlational thinking, understanding nature and human actions as interconnected and mutually influencing.
Hinduism: Values the Earth and its inhabitants, with beliefs in reincarnation and karma. Respect for all living beings (Ahimsa) is paramount.
Judaism: Sees nature as God's creation, emphasizing stewardship and responsible use.
Islam: Recognizes a responsibility to care for God's creation.

Contemporary Perspectives

Human Normative Ethics: Includes perfectionist, virtue, deontological, and utilitarian ethics focusing on human actions.
Sentientism: Moral consideration for beings capable of experiencing pleasure or pain.
Extensionism: Extends ethical considerations to non-human beings.
Deep Ecology: Focuses on the needs and well-being of all members of the ecosystem including humanity.
Shallow Ecology: Places less importance on the overall needs of the environment relative to deeper ecological considerations.

Environmental Ethics

Relationships in Nature: Interconnectedness of natural and human worlds.

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Description

Explore the intricate relationship between humans and the environment in Module 6. This quiz delves into various philosophical perspectives on ecological ethics, examining contributions from thinkers like Steven Vogel, Andrew Brennan, and Paul Taylor. It also highlights cultural viewpoints, including those of Indigenous cultures and major world religions.