Psychology Chapter 6 Mid Flashcards

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.

Anthropocentric focuses on human ethics and values; biocentric values all living things; ecocentric considers holistic connections among living and non-living things. Signup and view all the answers

What was Ralph Waldo Emerson's contribution or role?

He was a transcendentalist who emphasized the soul and oneness with nature. Signup and view all the answers

What was Henry Thoreau known for?

Henry Thoreau was a transcendentalist known for his work 'Walden'. Signup and view all the answers

Walt Whitman was a transcendentalist.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was John Muir's contribution or role?

John Muir believed in the preservation ethic, advocating to keep the environment in a pristine state. Signup and view all the answers

What was Gifford Pinchot's contribution or role?

Gifford Pinchot was a conservationist who emphasized the wise use of natural resources. Signup and view all the answers

What was Aldo Leopold known for?

Aldo Leopold was a professor and wrote 'Sand County Almanac', involving ecology and the ethics of land use. Signup and view all the answers

What's the difference between conservation and preservation?

Conservation focuses on the wise use of natural resources; preservation seeks to keep the environment in a pristine state. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'environmental justice'?

Environmental justice refers to equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens. Signup and view all the answers

What are the differences between conventional/traditional economics and environmental/ecological economics?

Conventional economics ignores environmental impact while ecological economics considers it. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four fundamental assumptions of neoclassical economics?

<ol> <li>Resources are infinite or substitutable; 2) Future events are discounted; 3) All costs and benefits are internal; 4) All growth is good.</li> </ol> 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.

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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.