Question

According to Hoffman, what is the fundamental rationale for responsible business action toward the environment?

Elements of the environment – animals, plants, ecosystems – have intrinsic value

It’s the law and businesses should follow the law

Harming the environment is wrong only because human beings happen to value the natural world

Harming the environment always causes harm to human beings

Answer 1

Ans. (a)

Hoffman believes in the Biocentric environmental ethics. This philosophy says all things that are alive are a vital part of an ecosystem (Hoffman, 1991). Hoffman cautions against the stand that the society, as well as the business, should protect the environment because if the environment is harmed then human beings and human interests are also harmed. He asserts the business and environmental ethicists to look beyond and further than self-interest or human interest.