anthropocentric 21
biocentric 21
conservation or management ethic 24
corporation 26
development ethic 22
ecocentrism 22 		economic growth 26
environmental justice 28
ethics 21
industrial ecology 28
morals 21
preservation ethic 24 		profitability 26
resource exploitation 26

On-line Flashcards

Is it the Titanic all over again? Are ships in danger of the "ultimate" disaster? Huge ice chunks are breaking off from the Antarctic ice sheet. Why is this happening? What are the threats? See More Large Icebergs Calve from Antarctica's Ice Shelves and Portion of Antarctic Ice Sheet Weakening for answers to these questions.
      How do you view the use of land? How do your classmates and your friends view the use of land? As the book mentions, there are many contrasts in how different people and groups view the use of land. Record Conservation Land Purchase Saves Forests in Adirondack Park tells the story of a diverse group that came together for a common vision to purchase nearly 300,000 acres in the Northeast. 		Elephants, turtles, and gorillas to name a few . . . international trade in endangered species is a lucrative business. For an update on how these species are faring, read Ban on Wild Elephant Products Is Maintained, Turtles and Tortoises Disappearing into Soup Pots of China, and Uganda's Mountain Gorillas Threatened by Tourist Massacre.
Review Questions
  1. How does personal wealth relate to ethics? Can you provide personal examples?
  2. Why do industries pollute?
  3. Why would normal economic forces work against pollution control? Do you feel that this is changing?
  4. Is it reasonable to expect a totally unpolluted environment? Why or why not?
  5. What has been the dominant societal attitude toward resource use?

  1. Describe the differences between development, preservation, and conservation ethics. Must there always be conflict among these ethics?
  2. What is a major motivating force of corporate management?
  3. Why do decision makers view the actions of corporations differently from the way they view the actions of individuals?
Critical Thinking Questions
  1. Using the definitions of moral and ethical judgment as presented in the text, identify at least two moral and ethical responses each to the issue of global climate change. What values, beliefs, and perspectives are at the root of these judgments?
  2. What are our responsibilities to future generations regarding the environment? What values, beliefs, and perspectives lead you to think and act the way you do with regard to the environment?
  3. Compare and contrast the three approaches to environmental ethics outlined in the text. Which is closest to your own? Why? How does, and how could, your ethical stance influence your actions?
  4. The text makes the point that up until recently humans have believed, almost universally, in unchecked growth as a positive good. Now, at the beginning of the 21st century, some are beginning to question this belief. What values, beliefs, and perspectives might these critics have? Describe some ways these critics might be received in a developing country. Why?
  5. Imagine you are a business executive who wants to pursue an environmental policy for your company that limits pollution and uses fewer raw materials, but would cost more. What might be the discussion at your next board of directors meeting? How would you respond to your board of directors and shareholders? Why?
  1. In 1997, Ojibwa Indians in northern Wisconsin sat on railroad tracks to block from crossing their reservation a shipment of sulfuric acid that was headed for a controversial injection copper mine in northern Michigan. Try and put yourself in their position. What values, beliefs, and perspectives might have contributed to this action? Now put yourself in the position of the copper miners in northern Michigan. How might these copper miners have responded? What values, beliefs, and perspectives contribute to their action?
  2. Read the Environmental Close-Up about environmental philosophy. Do you feel there is too much talk about environmental problems and not enough action? Or too little talk? Or some other problem? Please describe your position on this and your reasons for thinking the way you do.
  3. Imagine yourself in the position of a person who lives on a poor Native American reservation that is contemplating building a storage facility for nuclear waste. What preconceptions, values, beliefs, or contextual perspectives might you bring to the issue? What might you propose as a course of action for yourself and for others? Why?
  4. Consider environmental ethics issues in the year 2025. At the rate consumers, corporations, and governments are responding to environmental concerns, what quality-of-life consequences do you project for the year 2025? How will your health, lifestyle, income, employment, and community be affected?