What is a Perspective?
A perspective is an individual point of view about something.
It is shaped by:
- what a person thinks is important
- what they believe is true
- what they have learned or experienced
People can see the same situation differently.
One perspective
- Cutting a forest creates jobs and income, supporting economic growth and development.
Another perspective
- Cutting a forest destroys habitats, reduces biodiversity, and causes environmental damage.
Assumptions, values, and beliefs
Assumptions
Assumptions are ideas people accept as true without thinking much.
**Example:** "Technology will always solve our problems."
Values
Values are principles people feel are important in life.
- honesty
- safety
- respect for nature
- economic growth
Values guide decisions about environmental issues.
Beliefs
Beliefs are strong ideas about what is right, wrong, or real. They often come from family, culture, religion, school, or media.
Why perspectives matter in ESS
Environmental problems involve disagreements because people have different perspectives.
Perspectives influence:
- how serious someone thinks a problem is
- who they think is responsible
- what solutions they believe in
Summary
- Perspective — individual viewpoint on an issue
- Shaped by assumptions, values, and beliefs
- Same situation → different perspectives → different decisions
Example: Cutting a forest — one person sees jobs, another sees habitat loss.
Exam tip: When asked why stakeholders disagree, explain how their different perspectives lead to different views.