“CHAPTER IX” =ENVIRONMENTAL

SCIENCE =

BY : CLAMOSA,REANNE
DABE, KRISTINE JOY
 I. THE NOTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
Environmental ethics is an established field
of practical philosophy "which reconstructs the
essential types of argumentation that can be
made for protecting natural entities and the
sustainable use of natural resources

The definition of environmental ethics rests

on the principle that there is an ethical
relationship between human beings and the
natural environment. Human beings are part of
the environment and so are the other livings
things.
CONCEPT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
The concept of environmental ethics brings out the fact that all the life forms on
Earth have the right to leave. By destroying nature, we are denying the life forms
this right. This act is unjust and unethical.

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS as a FIELD

The birth of the term environmental ethics was one of the factors which led to the
emergence of environmental science as a field of study in the 1970s. The Earth Day
celebration of 1970 was another important event in the development of this field of
enquiry.
 Rachel Louise Carson

was an American marine biologist, writer, and

conservationist whose influential book Silent
Spring and other writings are credited with
advancing the global environmental movement.

Scientists like Rachel Carson and

environmentalists who led philosophers to
consider the philosophical aspect of
environmental problems, pioneered in the
development of environmental ethics as a
branch of environmental philosophy
 II. ISSUES IN ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
Environmental ethics, along with human values, make for challenging philosophical debates about man's
interaction with the environment. Water and air pollution, the depletion of natural resources, loss of
biodiversity, destruction of ecosystems, and global climate change are all part of the environmental
ethics debate.

“ISSUES AND PROBLEMS”

 CONSUMPTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
 DESTRUCTION OF FORESTS
 ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
 HARM TO ANIMALS
 III. THE INHERENT VALUE OF NON-HUMAN
ENTITIES

INTRUMENTAL VALUE

 An important point that the field of environmental ethics is concerned with, is

whether non-human beings only have an instrumental value or whatever they also
have an intrinsic value. Aristotle said that "nature has made all the things
specifically for the sake of man". From an anthropocentric point of view (which
lays emphasis on human being), the use of the other living elements in nature by
humans is only right. Causing them harm or destroying them is wrong only because
it develops insensitivity.
INTRINSIC VALUE

 Historian Lyn White Jr. criticized Judeo-Christian thinking as being a primary factor
that led human beings to exploit the environment. According to this line of thinking,
man is supreme, and the nature has been created for him, which gives him the right
to exploit it. White also criticized the Church Fathers who maintained that God
created man in his own image. This view promotes the idea that man is separate from
nature and not part of it. According to White, this view promotes the idea that man is
separate from nature and not part of it.
Aldo Leopold was an American author,
philosopher, naturalist, scientist, ecologist,
forester, conservationist, and environmentalist.

– an American author, scientist,

environmentalist ecologist, forester, and
conservationist. His economic views were
dominant in the development of modern
environmental ethics. Ecocentrism deems the
whole ecosystem as important opposed to
anthropocentrism that believes humans to be
the most important in the universe.
Holmes Rolston III is a philosopher who is University Distinguished Professor
of Philosophy at Colorado State University. He is best known for his
contributions to environmental ethics and the relationship between science and
religion.

(Theologian and environmental philosopher)

says the protection of species is our moral
responsibility as they have an intrinsic value. In
his view, the loss of a species spells disrespect to
nature’s process of specification. According to
him, biological process deserve respect. Thus,
any action that translates into disregard for the
environment is unethical.
  Christopher D. Stone is J. Thomas McCarthy Trustee
Chair in Law at the University of Southern California
 Paul W. Taylor was an School of Law. A leading advocate for the
American philosopher best environment, he has written for Harper's, The New
known for his work in the field York Times, The Nation, Boston Globe, and Los
Angeles Times.
of environmental ethics.
IV. OUR MORAL RESPONSIBILITY

 We are morally obliged to consider the needs of even other human beings, but also
plants and animals. Our approach towards other living entities should be based on
strong ethical values. Even if the human race is considered as the main constituent of
the environment, animals and plants are in no way less important.

V. ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS AND RELIGION

 Different religions have their own theories of how the world was created in their
own ways. In some religions, certain plants or animals are worshipped
considering them as sacred. This goes to say that all religions express concern
towards the environment and lay importance on its non-human constituents.
VI. RADICAL ECOLOGY
 Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess classified environmentalism as
shallow and deep. Radical ecology says that it may not be enough
to extend ethics to non-human elements of the environment.
'Transpersonal ecology' says that the field of environmental ethics
is not limited to realizing our moral obligations towards
environment. It is about realizing what he calls ecological
consciousness.
VII. FIVE REASONS WHY MAN DESPOILS THE
ENVIRONMENT
 Desire for progress such as unlimited urbanization, and uncontrolled
industrialization and coping with fast-paced technology.
 Greed, as when a logging concessionaire would resort to illegal logging to
get more than he needs, to be richer than one who cuts trees regulation.
 Poverty, since nature is free, it becomes the most immediate and the cheapest
source of survival.
 Lack of self-discipline; and
 Lack of concern for others. The saddest thing is instead of thanking nature,
we punish it by pollution, destruction, or non-regeneration of its essential
components like trees and the soil and minerals.
 THE END!!
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