Environmental Ethics

What is Environmental Ethics?

Environmental ethics is the discipline in philosophy that studies the
moral relationship of human beings to, and also the value and moral
status of, the environment and its non-human contents.
 Environmental ethics believe that humans are a part of society as
well as other living creatures, which includes plants and animals.
 These items are a very important part of the world and are
considered to be a functional part of human life.
 Environmmental ethics exerts influence on a large range of
disciplines including environmental law, environmental sociology,
ecotheology, ecological economics, ecology and environmental
geography.

Environmental Ethics: Major Issues of Concern

Global warming,
Global climate change,
deforestation,
Pollution,
Resource degradation
The threat of extinction are few of the issues from which our planet is
suffering.

Environmental Ethics and Environmental Philosophy

How Many Types of Environmental Ethics?
There are three main types of environmental ethics.
libertarian extension = based on the idea that people have a right to
use nature for their own ends.
ecological extension = nature has value in and of itself beyond any
human use or benefit
conservation ethics = focuses on maintaining a balance between
human use and the preservation of nature.

And also
 Social ecology = which is the study of human beings and their
relation to their environment.
 Deep ecology = promotes that all beings have an intrinsic value.
 Ecofeminism = is a branch of feminism that helps us look at earth as
a woman so that we can respect it in a better way.

Environmental Ethics and Its Principles

1. Anthropocentrism
(It suggests that human beings are the most important beings.
All other living beings are but accessories that would assist in their
survival. )
two further divisions
1. weak anthropocentrism
2. strong anthropocentrism.

2. Non-Anthropocentrism = this principle gives value to every object,

every animal in nature.
It is a principle that believes in everything that sustains itself in nature.
3. Psychocentrism = believes that human beings hold more value in the
environment since their mental capacities are better developed and far
more complex than any other element in the environment.

4. Biocentrism = holds not only an ecological but also a political value.

ensures the proper balance of ecology on the planet.

5. Holism = considers environment systems as a whole rather than being

individual parts of something.

6. Resourcism = nature is considered to be valuable only because it has

resources to provide with.
7. Speciesism = justifies the superiority of the human race.

8. Moral Considerability = we agree that all our interactions whatsoever

with the being is bound by moral laws.

9. Instrumental Value = the value imparted to a being as long as it can

serve us with resources.

10. Intrinsic Value =the value attached to a being just for itself and not
only for its resourcefulness.

11. Aesthetic Value =imparted to a being by virtue of its looks or its

beauty.
12. Animal Liberation or Animal Rights = try to secure animal life and
ensure their welfare by enforcing certain laws .
13. Animal Welfare =It ensures that the animals are treated well and
humanely.
Defference Between Anthropocentrism and Non-Anthropocentrism
Here's a table highlighting the key differences between anthropocentrism
and non-anthropocentrism:

Anthropocentrism Non-Anthropocentrism
Humans are the central focus and All beings (human and non-
have intrinsic value. human) have intrinsic value.
Human interests and well-being The interests and well-being of all
are prioritized. beings are considered.
Other species and the environment Other species and the environment
are seen as means to human ends. have intrinsic value and should be
protected for their own sake.
Resource exploitation for human Resource use and exploitation
benefit is considered acceptable. should be sustainable and consider
the well-being of all beings
involved.
Human dominance over nature is The interconnectedness and
emphasized. interdependence of all beings are
emphasized.
Ethical obligations primarily exist Ethical obligations exist towards all
towards humans. beings and the environment.
Human progress and development Balance, harmony, and
are valued. sustainability are valued.
Traditional anthropocentrism is Non-anthropocentrism seeks to
criticized for its negative address the shortcomings of
environmental impact. anthropocentrism and promote
ecological ethics.

What are Environmental Issues?

How do ethical systems respond?
How should we make decisions about these issues?
Some Concerns on Environment?
Which effects of pollution, depletion of natural resources,
overpopulation, matter morally?
 Do only human beings ‘count’, or do effects on the
environment matter as well?

Why?
What is Ecology?
The study of organisms and their interactions with their
environment.
What is Ecosystem?
An area composed of biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving)
components, which interact with one another.

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability is the ability to exist constantly.

Environmental Preservation: Role of Stakeholders
 Public Opinion
 Media
 Environmental Groups
 Government
Key strategies for Industrial Pollution Prevention :
1.Systematic waste reduction audit ( course pack, p. 296)
2. Material balance (course pack, p. 296)
3. Economic balance(course pack, p. 296)
4. Waste Reduction (course pack, p. 296)
5. Use of newer and cleaner technologies (course pack, p. 296)
6. Life Cycle Assessment (course pack, p. 296)

 Managing Environmental Issues: Corporate Responsibilities

 Reducing costs through measures such as recycling or energy
conservation
 Reducing the possibility of accidents
 Establishing a good corporate reputation
 Mitigating employee’s discomfort by providing a better work
environment
 Maintaining a good relationship with the local community and
regulatory authorities
 Conforming a code of ethics

5 Approaches to Manage Environmental Issues: Reinhardt

 Investing in environment friendly processes or products
 Managing environmental regulations
 Investing in environmental performance improvement, without
increasing costs
 Combing methods
 Looking at environmental issues from a risk management
perspective
CSE Code of Ethics
1. PUBLIC – Software engineers shall act consistently with the public interest.
2. CLIENT AND EMPLOYER – Software engineers shall act in a manner that is in
the best interests of their client and employer consistent with the public interest.
3. PRODUCT – Software engineers shall ensure that their products and related
modifications meet the highest professional standards possible.
4. JUDGMENT – Software engineers shall maintain integrity and independence in
their professional judgment.
5. MANAGEMENT – Software engineering managers and leaders shall subscribe to
and promote an ethical approach to the management of software development and
maintenance.
6. PROFESSION – Software engineers shall advance the integrity and reputation of
the profession consistent with the public interest.
7. COLLEAGUES – Software engineers shall be fair to and supportive of their
colleagues.
8. SELF – Software engineers shall participate in lifelong learning regarding the
practice of their profession and shall promote an ethical approach to the practice of
the profession.

IEEE Code of ETHICS

We, the members of the IEEE, in recognition of the importance of our
technologies in affecting the quality of life throughout the world, and in
accepting a personal obligation to our profession, its members and the
communities we serve, do hereby commit ourselves to the highest
ethical and professional conduct and agree:

I. To uphold the highest standards of integrity, responsible behavior, and

ethical conduct in professional activities.

1. to hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public, to

strive to comply with ethical design and sustainable development
practices, to protect the privacy of others, and to disclose promptly
factors that might endanger the public or the environment;

2. to improve the understanding by individuals and society of the

capabilities and societal implications of conventional and emerging
technologies, including intelligent systems;
 3. to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest whenever possible,
and to disclose them to affected parties when they do exist;

4. to avoid unlawful conduct in professional activities, and to reject

bribery in all its forms;

5. to seek, accept, and offer honest criticism of technical work, to

acknowledge and correct errors, to be honest and realistic in stating
claims or estimates based on available data, and to credit properly
the contributions of others;

6. to maintain and improve our technical competence and to

undertake technological tasks for others only if qualified by training
or experience, or after full disclosure of pertinent limitations;

II. To treat all persons fairly and with respect, to not engage in
harassment or discrimination, and to avoid injuring others.

7. to treat all persons fairly and with respect, and to not engage in
discrimination based on characteristics such as race, religion,
gender, disability, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender
identity, or gender expression;

8. to not engage in harassment of any kind, including sexual

harassment or bullying behavior;

9. to avoid injuring others, their property, reputation, or employment

by false or malicious actions, rumors or any other verbal or physical
abuses;

III. To strive to ensure this code is upheld by colleagues and co-workers.

10. to support colleagues and co-workers in following this code of

ethics, to strive to ensure the code is upheld, and to not retaliate
against individuals reporting a violation.

Virtue Ethics : The Golden mean theory

In ethics, the Golden Mean theory, also known as the Doctrine of the Mean, is
a concept derived from Aristotle's ethical philosophy. It suggests that moral
virtue lies between extremes and can be found in the middle ground or
moderate position between two vices.
According to Aristotle, every virtue is the mean between two vices—one of
excess and one of deficiency. For example, courage is the mean between
recklessness (excess) and cowardice (deficiency). Generosity is the mean
between prodigality (excess) and stinginess (deficiency).

The Golden Mean theory emphasizes the importance of balance and

moderation in moral conduct. It suggests that virtuous behavior is achieved by
avoiding extremes and finding a moderate path. It acknowledges that different
virtues may have different means and that the precise point of moderation
may vary depending on the situation and individual circumstances.

However, it is essential to note that determining the precise point of

moderation or the "golden mean" is not always a straightforward task. It
requires practical wisdom, judgment, and an understanding of the specific
context and cultural norms. What constitutes a virtuous mean may differ
among individuals and cultures, making the application of the Golden Mean
theory subjective and open to interpretation.

Moreover, the Golden Mean theory does not imply that all virtues are about
finding a middle ground. Some virtues, such as honesty or justice, may not lend
themselves to moderation in the same way as courage or generosity.
Additionally, critics argue that the theory can be overly simplistic and fail to
address complex moral dilemmas that may require more nuanced
considerations.

Overall, while the Golden Mean theory offers a valuable framework for
considering moral virtue, it should be used as one of many tools for ethical
analysis rather than as an absolute rule for moral decision-making.
What is virtue?

Virtue refers to a moral excellence or quality of character that enables a

person to lead a good and fulfilling life. It involves possessing and
practicing qualities or traits that are considered morally good and
praiseworthy. Virtues are seen as guiding principles for ethical behavior
and are often associated with values such as honesty, compassion,
courage, justice, humility, integrity, and fairness.

Virtue Ethics related in Cse field?

Virtue ethics can be relevant in the field of computer science and engineering
(CSE) in several ways. While CSE is primarily concerned with technical skills and
knowledge, ethical considerations are increasingly important due to the impact
of technology on society. Here are a few ways virtue ethics can be applied in
the CSE field:

1. Responsible Design and Development: Virtue ethics encourages CSE

professionals to consider the broader impact of their work on society. It
promotes virtues such as responsibility, empathy, and social awareness.
Practitioners can strive to design and develop technologies that align with
these virtues, considering factors such as privacy, security, inclusivity, and
accessibility.

2. Professional Integrity: Virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of

professional integrity and honesty. CSE professionals should exhibit virtues
such as honesty, transparency, and accountability in their interactions with
clients, colleagues, and users. This includes maintaining high ethical standards,
respecting user privacy, and ensuring the reliability and safety of software
systems.

3. Ethical Decision-Making: Virtue ethics provides a framework for ethical

decision-making in complex situations. CSE professionals may encounter
ethical dilemmas, such as data privacy concerns, algorithmic biases, or the
development of autonomous systems. By cultivating virtues such as wisdom,
critical thinking, and empathy, professionals can navigate these dilemmas and
make ethical choices that prioritize the well-being of individuals and society.

4. Ethical Leadership: Virtue ethics promotes virtues associated with effective

leadership, such as integrity, fairness, and empathy. CSE professionals in
leadership roles can apply these virtues to guide their teams and organizations
towards ethical practices. They can promote a culture of ethical responsibility,
ensure the ethical use of technology, and consider the long-term
consequences of decisions.

5. Professional Development: Virtue ethics encourages ongoing self-

improvement and the cultivation of virtues. CSE professionals can actively
engage in ethical reflection, continuous learning, and ethical decision-making
frameworks. By striving to develop virtues such as humility, open-mindedness,
and self-awareness, professionals can enhance their ethical reasoning and
contribute positively to the field.

In summary, virtue ethics can provide guidance and principles for CSE
professionals to consider the broader ethical implications of their work, make
responsible decisions, and foster a culture of ethical practice in the field of
computer science and engineering.