What ethical theory or framework would you apply to our relation to the environment? Explain why you favor it, and also identify how its practical implications differ from at least two alternate perspectives
In relation to the environment, I feel it is best to adopt the deontological approach. Deontological ethical theories tend to focus on 'doing what's right' based on fixed and universal laws, it will guide us to treat the natural environment around us with utmost care and respect. If we adopt the a consequentialist, or utilitarian approach towards the environment, there is a danger that we abuse it to meet our selfish interests. This is because in such a theory, morality of an action is judged by its consequences. Another school of thought is virtue ethics, which I feel is of little use in its application to environmental issues. Virtue Ethics as opposed to normative ethics is an agent-centred theory which focuses on developing and cultivating ones virtues in order to reach happiness.
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