Questions and Answers
Provide examples of how culture and worldviews influence perception of the environment.
Culture refers to background and religion. Personal experience shapes individual perception. Combining culture and personal experience forms one's worldview.
What is the difference between relativism and universalism in the context of ethics?
Relativism depends on social context and often avoids hurting feelings, while universalism considers a black and white view based on honest truth.
What is the difference between instrumental and intrinsic values?
Instrumental values are utilitarian and based on the benefits of use, while intrinsic values are inherent and valuable for their own sake.
Define and provide examples of the three ethical perspectives: anthropocentric, biocentric, and ecocentric.
Signup and view all the answers
What was Ralph Waldo Emerson's contribution or role?
Signup and view all the answers
What was Henry Thoreau known for?
Signup and view all the answers
Walt Whitman was a transcendentalist.
Signup and view all the answers
What was John Muir's contribution or role?
Signup and view all the answers
What was Gifford Pinchot's contribution or role?
Signup and view all the answers
What was Aldo Leopold known for?
Signup and view all the answers
What's the difference between conservation and preservation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is meant by 'environmental justice'?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the differences between conventional/traditional economics and environmental/ecological economics?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the four fundamental assumptions of neoclassical economics?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Culture and Worldviews
- Culture shapes environmental perception, including background and religion.
- Personal experiences influence individual viewpoints and judgments about the environment.
- The combination of culture and personal experience forms a distinctive worldview.
Ethics: Relativism vs. Universalism
- Relativism is context-dependent, often softening judgments to avoid hurting feelings.
- Universalism adheres strictly to objective truths, offering clear moral judgments.
Instrumental vs. Intrinsic Values
- Instrumental values are utilitarian, focusing on practical benefits, such as forests providing timber.
- Intrinsic values are inherent and subjective, valuing something for its own worth, like love for a person.
Ethical Perspectives
- Anthropocentric ethics prioritize human values and interests.
- Biocentric ethics consider the value of all living beings.
- Ecocentric ethics view the environment holistically, recognizing the interconnections between living and non-living entities.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
- A prominent transcendentalist who emphasized the spiritual connection with nature through meditation.
Henry Thoreau
- Transcendentalist known for his work "Walden," which explores simple living in natural surroundings.
Walt Whitman
- Not classified as a transcendentalist; known for his unique influences in American literature.
John Muir
- Advocate of the preservation ethic, focused on maintaining natural environments in their untouched state.
Gifford Pinchot
- Founder of the conservationist ethic, promoting wise resource use based on their intrinsic value.
Aldo Leopold
- Professor known for his involvement with wolves in Yellowstone; authored "Sand County Almanac."
Conservation vs. Preservation
- Conservation emphasizes the responsible use of natural resources.
- Preservation focuses on keeping environments pristine and untouched.
Environmental Justice
- Concept that addresses inequalities in environmental protection.
- "NIMBY" (Not in My Backyard) reflects opposition to local environmental developments.
Conventional vs. Ecological Economics
- Conventional economics prioritize production and consumption without environmental concerns.
- Ecological economics integrate environmental impacts into economic decision-making.
Neoclassical Economics Assumptions
- Assumes resources are infinite or replaceable, disregarding conservation needs.
- Discounts future impacts, prioritizing short-term benefits over long-term sustainability.
- Claims costs and benefits are internal to transactions, ignoring external factors that necessitate regulations.
- Pushes for continuous growth, raising concerns over the limits of resources and environmental degradation.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your understanding of the concepts from Chapter 6, exploring how culture and worldviews shape our perception of the environment. This quiz also delves into the distinctions between relativism and universalism in ethics. Ideal for reviewing key ideas and enhancing your grasp of psychological principles.