Definition & Purpose of Environmental Ethics (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS)) : Revision Note

Basics of Ethics

• Ethics is a part of philosophy that deals with moral principles

  • It helps us understand what actions are considered right or wrong

  • In this way, it provides a framework for evaluating the morality of human behaviour and decision-making

Influences on ethical codes

• Different cultures, traditions, and individuals have their own ethical codes

• These codes are shaped by various influences, including:

  • Formal ethical systems (e.g. utilitarianism or deontology) provide structured approaches to ethical decision-making.

  • Religion (religious teachings often play a significant role in shaping moral values and ethical norms within communities)

  • Family values

  • Traditions (cultural traditions passed down through generations that instill certain ethical beliefs and practices)

  • Books

  • Education

  • Media and technology

  • Personal thinking and reflections

Considerations in ethics

• It is important to think about how these influences shape our ethical codes or systems

  • When facing ethical dilemmas, it's essential to consider the many factors at play and the complexity of human values

• Human individuals and societies need to reflect on the value that they assign to various aspects of our surroundings, including:

  • The world in general (including the biosphere and everything in it)

  • Ecosystems

  • Non-human organisms

  • Humans

• Deciding what's morally right or wrong can be challenging when these values conflict (i.e. when we value some of these aspects significantly more highly than others)

  • Conflicting values often arise and careful thought is required to determine the most ethical course of action

Ethical dilemma examples

1. Endangered species conservation

• Consider a scenario where implementing a conservation project to protect an endangered species of animal requires restricting human activities in the area

  • Is it ethically correct to prioritise the conservation project?

  • Individuals must weigh the value of preserving biodiversity against the potential economic impacts on local communities

  • This dilemma highlights the tension between environmental conservation and human welfare or development

2. Medical ethics:

• In healthcare, ethical considerations arise in decision-making processes involving patient care, treatment options and resource allocation

  • For example, medical professionals may face ethical dilemmas when determining whether to prioritise limited medical resources for critically ill patients

3. Business ethics:

• Business decisions often involve ethical considerations related to corporate responsibility, fair treatment of employees and environmental sustainability

  • An example could be a company deciding whether to prioritise profit maximisation at the expense of environmental degradation or to adopt sustainable practices despite this being more financially costly

Introduction to Environmental Ethics

• Environmental ethics is a branch of ethical philosophy that deals with the moral principles concerning the environment and our relationship with it

  • It explores the ethical arguments surrounding environmental issues such as pollution, resource depletion and habitat destruction

  • Environmental ethics aims to develop ethical frameworks to help societies address these environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices

  • Central to environmental ethics is the principle of sustainability, which advocates for meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

• Environmental ethics also emphasises the interconnectedness of all life forms and ecosystems

  • It recognises the importance of respecting the intrinsic value of nature beyond its instrumental value to humans

Origins of environmental ethics

• This branch of ethics emerged in the 1960s and 1970s in response to growing concerns about environmental degradation and the need for ethical considerations in environmental decision-making

  • During this period, concerns about pollution, deforestation, and species extinction prompted a re-evaluation of humanity's relationship with the natural world

  • Critics argue that traditional ethical theories, mainly rooted in Western philosophical traditions, are too focused on human-to-human interactions and prioritise human interests over the environment, making them inadequate for addressing environmental concerns

Critiques of traditional ethics

• Traditional ethical theories, such as utilitarianism and deontology, have been criticised for their anthropocentric bias

  • For example, critics believe that these frameworks fail to account for the intrinsic value of nature and the moral status of non-human beings

Environmental ethics examples

• Climate change:

  • Environmental ethics can help shape our understanding of the ethical responsibilities associated with climate change mitigation and adaptation

  • It raises questions about environmental justice, fairness and the distribution of burdens and benefits associated with climate change

• Biodiversity conservation:

  • Considerations of environmental ethics are central to biodiversity conservation efforts

  • Ethical debates revolve around issues such as species preservation, ecosystem protection and the rights of Indigenous communities