Big picture: Different ethical frameworks lead to different conclusions about how humans should interact with the environment. Understanding these frameworks helps explain why people disagree about environmental issues.
- Anthropocentrism
- A human-centred worldview that values nature primarily for its usefulness to humans.
- Ecocentrism
- An ecosystem-centred worldview that gives intrinsic value to all living things and ecological systems.
- Technocentrism
- A worldview that believes technology and human innovation can solve environmental problems.
Anthropocentric view
- Nature as a resource for human use
- Conservation for human benefit
- Sustainable use of resources
- Managed environments
Ecocentric view
- Nature has value in itself
- All species have equal right to exist
- Preservation over exploitation
- Wilderness protection
- Utilitarianism
- The right action is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Environmental decisions should maximise overall welfare.
- Deontology
- Some actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of consequences. Humans may have a moral duty to protect the environment.
- Virtue ethics
- Focuses on the character of the decision-maker. A virtuous person would show care, responsibility, and respect for nature.
Applying ethics to real issues (HL practice)
- Dam building: A utilitarian may support it if energy and economic benefits outweigh ecological costs; an ecocentric perspective may oppose it due to irreversible habitat loss and species displacement.
- Genetically modified crops: A utilitarian may support them for food security and reduced hunger; virtue ethics may question whether altering natural systems reflects responsibility and humility.
- Climate mitigation: A deontological approach argues there is a moral duty to protect future generations; an anthropocentric view may prioritise present human welfare and economic stability.
HL comparison skill: Different ethical frameworks often lead to different conclusions. High-level responses explicitly compare how at least two frameworks would justify or reject the same policy.
IB exam tip: In discuss or evaluate questions, apply two ethical frameworks to the same issue and compare the reasoning behind each conclusion.
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Ethical tensions in policy
- Present needs vs future generations (intergenerational equity)
- Local economic development vs global environmental protection
- Indigenous rights vs national development priorities
- Individual freedom vs collective environmental responsibility
- Rich nations' historical emissions vs developing nations' right to develop
Key concept: Intergenerational equity is the principle that current generations have a responsibility to ensure future generations can meet their needs. High discount rates in economics undermine this principle.