Unit 2: Environmental Ethics Approaches and World Views
In this unit, we discuss some major approaches to environmental ethics and how they seek to balance human prosperity and environmental sustainability. We explore a spectrum of views from utilitarian conservation (the value of our natural resources for human consumption) through biocentric preservation (how to protect nature because all life deserves respect). We also explore the Gaia hypothesis and how self-regulation of the earth's climate may impact the world around us. We examine several different religious views toward our environment and how they have developed throughout history.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 14 hours.
Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- describe the various approaches to environmental ethics;
- categorize beliefs about environmental ethics;
- examine the differences between utilitarian conservation and biocentric preservation;
- identify the key arguments of the Gaia hypothesis, and evaluate the evidence of the theory; and
- critically analyze various religious viewpoints about the environment.
- describe the various approaches to environmental ethics;
2.1: Introduction to Environmental Ethics and Approaches
Watch this brief introduction to environmental ethics. This lecture gives examples of where environmental ethics may be seen within our society. This will give you an initial focus for what you will be learning this unit.
Read this article, which provides an excellent introduction to the four approaches to environmental ethics we will cover below. The short essays in the "Notes” section lay out the key arguments of each viewpoint. As you take notes, attempt to frame your views under the viewpoint that you believe best matches your ideals.
Read this article. Note the key points of the approach so you can compare it with the others presented in this unit.
Watch this video. It is the first of four videos that will introduce the four key environmental ethical beliefs: Anthropocentrism, Biocentrism, Ecocentrism, and Deep Ecology. Take notes and compare this viewpoint with the others discussed in this unit.
This article defines biocentrism. Note the key points of this approach and compare it with the others in this unit.
Read this text, which is the second of the four key environmental ethical beliefs. Make notes and compare this viewpoint with the others in this unit.
Read this text. Note the key points of the approach so you can compare it with the others in this unit.
Watch this video. It is the third of four videos that introduces the four key environmental ethical beliefs. Make notes and compare this viewpoint with the others discussed in this unit.
Read these definitions of deep ecology. How do the definitions put forward by Shena Turlington and David Landis Barnill differ? How are they similar? Which conceptualization do you feel is more valuable?
Read this article, which provides an excellent description of the deep ecology ethic and movement. Though deep ecology is generally the least supported environmental ethic, support for it has been increasing. From the articles that you have read, can you see any basis for justification of this belief? In what major ways do you think that this viewpoint differs from the other three environmental ethical viewpoints?
Read this page, which discusses the Gaia hypothesis. Do you believe that the theory holds weight, and that we could observe some of impacts as outlined in the hypothesis?
Read this article, and follow the argument through the Gaia theory, the Daisyworld model, and the explanation of Deep Ecology. Do you agree with the author's viewpoint on how we are educated to understand ecology and its evolution?
Watch this video series of short interview clips with the creator of the Gaia hypothesis, James Lovelock. Despite the emphasis in the interviews of Gaia still being a hypothesis, do you think it is actually a process that we are seeing occur on Earth today?
- Make forum posts: 1
2.2: Utilitarian Conservation and Biocentric Preservation
Read this background content before you compare and contrast utilitarian versus biocentric views.
Read this article, which discusses the role of plants and animals in relation to their use by humans, both historically and into the present day. The text goes on to suggest methods for conserving these resources. Identify the key points about how our treatment of plants and animals may have changed over time, and whether you agree or disagree with these ethically.
This article discusses the progress of the sustainable development movement, and how it can be viewed in different ways. Biocentric preservation has its core in sustainability and forms a vital part in how we view a sustainable future. As you read the article, think about how biocentric preservation could be linked to each of the five different interpretations of sustainability presented in the text.
2.3: Religious Views of the Environment
Read this article, which outlines the historical and cultural basis of the current environmental situation, and details the historical roots of the current ecological crisis. Make notes on the three key ideas presented in the text. How do they match with current religious beliefs of the 21st century?
- Read the introduction and watch the lecture that follows. These pieces describe how the environment is viewed in various religions. As you watch, make brief notes on each of the religions summarized. At the end, review your notes and attempt to group each religion under one of the approaches to environmental ethics presented earlier in this unit.
- Watch this lecture, which discusses the dependence of early civilizations on the environment. It covers not just ancient Greece but other civilizations, each demonstrating a similar attitude towards the environment. As you watch, link the attitudes of each of these civilizations with the environmental ethical viewpoints covered earlier.
Read this article for an overview of environmental history. This editorial presents the origins and philosophical underpinnings of environmental history, and highlights significant interactions of humans and the natural world throughout history. Note that the influence of Greek philosophy on our concept of nature is discussed part way through the text. After reading the article, do you believe that our understanding of and attitude towards the environment has improved or degraded over time?
This article discusses how, compared with modern-day scientific methods, the Native American culture relies heavily on "knowing the land". What does the traditional knowledge of Native peoples have to offer Western science?
Watch this video, which outlines how the environment is regarded in the Christian religion and discusses whether these principles may be applied to current issues. As an example, the speaker talks about climate change and how it is not addressed in the Bible. How do you believe we can justify modern environmental issues with religious beliefs written many years prior?
Watch these videos. The first video discusses the idea of ownership of the environment, and the remaining three discussing stewardship of the environment. As you watch, attempt to identify the key points of the beliefs in order to compare them with other religions in this unit.
Read this article, which touches on the attitudes of Buddhists towards the environment.
Read this blog post, which touches on the key attitudes of Buddhists towards the environment. How does this differ from other religions you have read about thus far? Can you relate the views to one of the environmental ethics covered earlier in the unit?
The article is a summary of the traditional Jewish philosophies and how they could be linked with modern environmental issues. As you read, attempt to identify the key points of the beliefs in order to compare them with other religions in this unit.
As you read this article, attempt to identify the key points of the beliefs in order to compare them with other religions in this unit.
As you read this blog post, attempt to identify the key points of the beliefs in order to compare them with other religions in this unit.
- Read this short article. The passage delivers a message of how one should act towards "Mother Nature".
Read this short article. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that originated in South Asia.
- Make forum posts: 1
Unit 2 Assessment
- Receive a grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.