Environmental Worldviews, Ethics, and Sustainability

Rainforest image Controversy will always be a part of environmental ethics and in the creation of environmental policy. The Tragedy of the Commons teaches us that regulation of our natural resources is vital for both its protection and to regulate fair distribution and conservation. Group and individual perspectives vary from very anthropocentric to where all living things have equal rights and value, with the median view being that of stewardship that makes us responsible for caring for and managing the Earth. But as a species, are we really able to understand enough to effectively manage the planet? Do we have the foresight to be effective stewards? History has shown that the multifaceted aspects of nature have been overlooked many times in the past. And thus, our pursuit to control our environment has failed and left us wanting. What does the future hold for us on Earth in the short and long term?

Essential Questions

What are the different types of value?
What are the worldviews and how do they differ in philosophy?
What is your worldview and how can you support it?
What services does nature provide for us?
What is the value of natural capital?
How does nature remedy environmental issues?
How do communities become sustainable?
How are the struggles of urban areas different in achieving sustainability?
What is a lifestyle of voluntary simplicity?
How and why have environmental policies been created?
What are the main environmental statutes and how are they implemented?

Key Terms

Anthropocentric- thinking or philosophy that is human-centered
Biocentric- thinking or philosophy that is life-centered
Atomistic- thinking or philosophy that is individual-focused
Ecocentric- thinking or philosophy that is Earth focused
Instrumental (utilitarian) view- a perspective based on usefulness to humans
Intrinsic (inherent) value- a perspective based on value due only to its existence
Sustainability- Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations. (Definition from the EPA)

RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.