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Treatment of Nature. Arguments. Key Terms. Speciesism Prejudice for one ’ s own species and against other species Sentientism Theory that only those beings with mental states should be the subject of moral concern Wholism
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Treatment of Nature Arguments
Key Terms • Speciesism • Prejudice for one’s own species and against other species • Sentientism • Theory that only those beings with mental states should be the subject of moral concern • Wholism • Conception of nature that sees humans and nature together as forming a moral community
Nature and Morality • Human beings have discovered in recent years that natural resources are subject to diminishment, destruction and loss • Is nature valuable in itself? • Should humans be concerned individually and morally?
Environmental Ethical Issues • Must take action to conserve and replenish what we take from nature for our own uses • Cannot continue its exploitation • Animal rights • With modern innovation, we should no longer be destroying animals for food and parts • Could be more humane raising domestics • Controversial use of animals for experimentation • Concerns over endangered species
Attitudes Toward Nature • Developed over a long period • Platonic dualism • Human beings separate and superior • Judeo-Christian teachings • Human beings have a soul whereas the rest of nature does not • Human beings have dominion over nature, must multiply
Attitudes Toward Nature • Advancement of science and technology has made nature more subservient • Industrialization has increased the use of natural resources and pollution • Population increase has meant need for land has grown as well
Arguments For Exploitation • Dominion-over-Nature • Religious – Western religions condone this in the Bible • Natural order and evolution shows human beings to be the most evolved species • Civilization more important than nature – highest evolutionary and religious order • Only humans are deserving of moral rights
Arguments Against Exploitation • Monistic wholism says that human beings and nature are parts of a whole not separated • Religious arguments have been misinterpreted • Human beings may be replaced eventually • Reasoning should not separate humans, but bring them closer to nature • Nature contains human needs and thus should be valued
Moderate Position • Nature is important and significant but not necessarily as important as humans • May be used for human ends if done with care • Generally agrees with wholism, but not totally against the good of humans • Thoughts?
PSA • Choose a specific issue you feel is not being covered in the endangerment of the environment • Using research completed in class, construct a small PSA poster that reflects the following: • What is in danger • What you want people to know • What is the impact of not acting • At least one measureable statistic, cited • Images (do your best) • What can be done to prevent further exploitation • Name on it, completed for homework or turned in today