ch1 A1

Question 1

1. Briefly define the term environmental ethics.

Answer 1

The study of ethical questions regarding human interactions with the environment

Question 2

Explain the three environmental ethical worldviews

Answer 2

Anthropocentric: A human centered view of nature. Anything not providing positive benefit to people is considered of negligible value

Biocentric: All life has ethical standing, and any actions taken consider the effects on all living things, or the biotic world in general

Ecocentric: Considers the integrity of ecological systems – not just individual animals (or species). Recognizes the need to preserve not just entities, but also their relationships with each other.

Question 3

Briefly explain the link between ethics and economics and define the terms supply, demand, and scarcity.

Answer 3

Both disciplines deal with how we value and perceive our environment.

These influence our decisions and actions.

Scarcity exists when the demand for an economic good exceeds its supply.

Supply is the amount of a good or service people are will to sell at a given price.

Demand is the amount of a good or service that consumers are willing and able to buy at a given price.

Question 4

Give examples for free nature ecosystem services (4)

Answer 4

Soil formation Water purification

Climate regulation Pollination

Nutrient cycling Waste treatment

etc.

Question 5

Explain the difference between conventional and environmental views of economic activities.

Answer 5

Conventional economics focuses on interactions between households and businesses; views the environment only as an external “factor of production.”

Environmental economists see the human economy as within the environment, receiving resources and services from it.