11.3 Ethical Approaches (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS): HL): Flashcards
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- FrontVirtue Ethics
Define virtue ethics.
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Cards in this collection (32)
Define virtue ethics.
Virtue ethics is an ethical approach that focuses on the character of the individual performing the action, rather than the consequences or strict adherence to rules.
Which three major traditional ethical approaches are commonly recognised?
The three major traditional ethical approaches are virtue ethics, consequentialist ethics, and rights-based ethics.
What is the main focus of virtue ethics compared to consequentialist or rights-based ethics?
Virtue ethics focuses on the character of the person performing the action rather than only the outcomes or following moral rules.
In virtue ethics, actions are judged to be ethical if they demonstrate and of character.
In virtue ethics, actions are judged to be ethical if they demonstrate virtue and moral strength of character.
Define respect as a virtue.
Respect as a virtue involves recognising the inherent worth and dignity of all living beings and treating them well.
How does compassion guide ethical behaviour in virtue ethics?
In virtue ethics, compassion guides ethical behaviour by motivating individuals to empathise with the suffering of others and act to alleviate it.
A person who takes for their actions and is accountable for consequences demonstrates the virtue of .
A person who takes responsibility for their actions and is accountable for consequences demonstrates the virtue of responsibility.
True or False?
Virtue ethics encourages actions like sustainable resource management and environmental advocacy.
True.
Virtue ethics values actions that demonstrate virtues such as respect, compassion, and responsibility towards the natural world, including sustainable resource management and environmental advocacy.
Define consequentialist ethics.
Consequentialist ethics is a moral theory that evaluates the morality of an action based on its consequences.
True or False?
Consequentialist ethics evaluates actions based on the agent’s intentions.
False.
In consequentialist ethics, the intentions behind an action are not considered relevant; only the outcomes matter.
What determines whether an action is morally right or wrong in consequentialist ethics?
In consequentialist ethics, actions are judged as morally right or wrong based solely on the consequences they produce.
In consequentialist ethics, actions leading to consequences are seen as good, while those with consequences are seen as bad.
In consequentialist ethics, actions leading to positive consequences are seen as good, while those with negative consequences are seen as bad.
What is meant by the “greatest common good” in consequentialist ethics?
The “greatest common good” refers to actions that result in the greatest overall benefit for the greatest number of people, which is a central aim in consequentialist ethics.
Some consequentialist theories propose that or should be the standard metric for evaluating consequences.
Some consequentialist theories propose that happiness or well-being should be the standard metric for evaluating consequences.
True or False?
Determining the net consequences of an action in environmental issues is always straightforward.
False.
Environmental issues are often complex, and determining the net consequences of an action can be challenging due to interconnected and far-reaching effects.
How has scientific understanding changed perceptions of environmental consequences?
Advancements in scientific understanding have led to shifts in our awareness and perception of the consequences of human actions on the environment, sometimes revealing previously unrecognised negative impacts.
Clearing forests may have short-term benefits, but consequentialist analysis may highlight its negative consequences such as destruction and loss of biodiversity.
Clearing forests may have short-term economic benefits, but consequentialist analysis may highlight its negative consequences such as habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.
Give an example of an environmental action that was initially perceived as positive but later recognised as harmful.
The use of DDT insecticide was initially seen as beneficial for controlling pests, but later recognised as harmful due to its detrimental effects on wildlife and the environment.
Why is ongoing research important in the application of consequentialist ethics to environmental management?
Ongoing research is important because it improves our understanding of the consequences of actions, which helps inform better decision-making in environmental management and policy.
Define appeal to nature fallacy.
The appeal to nature fallacy is the mistaken belief that if something is natural, it is automatically good or right.
True or False?
The appeal to nature fallacy is always a valid argument in ethics.
False.
The appeal to nature fallacy is contentious and widely debated among ethicists and philosophers, so it is not always valid.
Some people argue against vaccination by claiming it is better to allow the body to fight diseases, despite scientific evidence for vaccine .
Some people argue against vaccination by claiming it is better to allow the body to naturally fight diseases, despite scientific evidence for vaccine effectiveness.
Give one example of the appeal to nature fallacy in relation to food choices.
One example is the belief that eating organic, unprocessed foods is healthier and more ethical simply because they are natural, even though not all natural produce is safe or good for us.
A is a mistaken belief or argument that appears logical but is actually flawed and can lead to incorrect conclusions.
A fallacy is a mistaken belief or argument that appears logical but is actually flawed and can lead to incorrect conclusions.
Why is considering everything 'natural' as good not a reliable ethical guide?
Not everything natural is ethically good; for example, diseases like malaria are natural but cause harm and suffering. Thus, naturalness does not reliably indicate ethical value.
Define rights-based ethics.
Rights-based ethics is an ethical system that focuses on whether actions conflict with the rights of humans, other organisms, or ecosystems.
What types of entities may have rights according to rights-based ethics?
According to rights-based ethics, humans, non-human organisms, and even ecosystems may possess rights.
In some cultures, even are considered to have rights, such as the right to exist and be protected from harm.
In some cultures, even ecosystems are considered to have rights, such as the right to exist and be protected from harm.
What is the central focus of rights-based ethics in decision-making?
The central focus is on respecting the rights of all relevant entities during decision-making, actions, and behaviours.
Violating the of any entity is considered morally in rights-based ethics.
Violating the rights of any entity is considered morally incorrect in rights-based ethics.
How can the perspective on who possesses rights affect ethical decision-making regarding the environment?
If only humans are considered to have rights, actions harmful to the environment may seem acceptable. If ecosystems also have rights, those same actions may be seen as ethically wrong.
Conservation efforts that establish protected areas or sustainable practices align with because they prioritise ecosystem rights.
Conservation efforts that establish protected areas or sustainable practices align with rights-based ethics because they prioritise ecosystem rights.
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