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 to be covered in Subunits 2.1.1 - 2.1.4. The short essays in the "Notes” section lay out the key arguments of each viewpoint. You should make notes that you can refer to throughout the remainder of this unit, and attempt to frame your views under the viewpoint (or viewpoints) you believe best matches your ideals.
2.1.1: Anthropocentrism
2.1.1.1: Definition of Anthropocentrism
Read this article. Note the key points of the approach so you can compare it with the others presented in this unit.
2.1.1.2: Anthropocentrism Viewpoint
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 those discussed in the other videos in Subunits 2.1.2.2, 2.1.3.2, and 2.1.4.4.
2.1.2: Biocentrism
2.1.2.1: Definition of Biocentrism
This article defines biocentrism. Make sure to note the key points of the approach, to compare it with the others presented in this unit
2.1.2.2: Biocentrism Viewpoint
Read this text. It is the second of the four key environmental ethical beliefs. Make notes and compare this viewpoint with those discussed in Subunits 2.1.1.2, 2.1.3.2 and 2.1.4.4.
2.1.3: Ecocentrism
2.1.3.1: Definition of Ecocentrism
Read this text. Note the key points of the approach so you can compare it with the others presented in this unit.
2.1.3.2: Ecocentrism Viewpoint
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 those discussed in Subunits 2.1.1.2, 2.1.2.2, and 2.1.4.4.
2.1.4: Deep Ecology and the Gaia Hypothesis
2.1.4.1: Definition of Deep Ecology
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?
2.1.4.2: Definition of the Gaia Hypothesis
Read the first three sections of this page, which discuss the Gaia hypothesis. Do you believe that the theory holds weight, and that we could observe some of impacts as outlined in the hypothesis?
2.1.4.3: Key Features of the Gaia Hypothesis
Read this article, following the argument as the text works through the Gaia theory and the "Daisyworld” model, and moves on to an 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?
2.1.5: Compare and Contrast the Four Viewpoints
Reflect on the following questions. If you wish, please post your thoughts on this subunit's discussion forum. Leave a reply to your classmates’ posts as well!
After you have studied all four viewpoints, attempt to identify which of these views is closest to your own beliefs. Or, explain why these views are not close to any of your beliefs. This can often be hard to do, and while we may think that our ethics regarding the environment rest in one place, they can often be very different when we truly analyze our behavior.
Note: You will need to create an account at discourse.saylor.org to participate in the forum. Signing up is free and only takes a moment.