Question 1

Taylor claims that when there is a conflict between our respect for persons and our respect for nature, we should

Accepted Answer

Taylor's view is that there should not be a conflict between our respect for persons and our respect for nature, as he believes they are interconnected and mutually dependent. Therefore, there is no need to favor one over the other, but rather to recognize their interdependence and strive for a balance that respects both.

Question 2

According to a life-centered system of environmental ethics,

Accepted Answer

According to a life-centered system of environmental ethics, we have prima facie moral obligations to wild plants and animals to protect and promote their good for their sake. This means that we have a moral duty to consider the interests of non-human living beings and promote their well-being, even if it conflicts with the interests of humans. Option B is incorrect because it is a radical position that suggests that humans should have no priority in environmental decision-making. Option C is incorrect because there are different living things that have different interests, depending on their respective ecological roles and relationships.

Question 3

According to anthropocentric approaches to ethics, the moral status of human actions which affect the environment is determined by

Accepted Answer

Anthropocentric approaches to ethics focus on the value of humans and human interests, and as such, determine the moral status of actions affecting the environment based on their consequences for human well-being (choice A) and consistency with norms that protect human rights (choice B). Therefore, both choices A and B are correct.

Question 4

Which of the following types of things would Taylor claim has a good of its own?

Accepted Answer

Taylor argues that all living beings from organisms to entire ecological communities have their own intrinsic value and a good of their own, regardless of their instrumental value to humans.

Question 5

According to Taylor, when do we take the attitude of "respect for nature" toward wild living things?

Accepted Answer

According to Taylor, we take the attitude of "respect for nature" toward wild living things when we regard them as having inherent worth, independent of their usefulness or value to human beings. This means that we recognize that they have value in themselves, not just as a means to our ends. Taylor argues that this attitude of respect is necessary for preserving biodiversity and ecological balance.

Question 6

Which of the following is not a component of Taylor's biocentric outlook on nature?

Accepted Answer

Taylor's biocentric outlook on nature stresses the intrinsic value of each individual organism, and rejects the idea that humans are superior to other species. It also emphasizes that humans are members of the Earth's community of life. However, it does not necessarily require that humans and animals be treated in the exact same way, as different species may have different needs and interests.

Question 7

What is an anthropocentric approach to ethics? What alternative does Taylor propose to such views? What does Taylor's view imply about how we should live our lives? Defend your answers.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is an anthropocentric approach to ethics?...

Question 8

In what sense does Taylor admit that human beings are better than other species? Why doesn't he think that this is sufficient to establish that humans have greater inherent worth than other species? Do you find his argument convincing? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In what sense does Taylor admit that...

Question 9

Many people believe that humans are superior to nonhuman animals because we possess the traits of rationality and autonomy, whereas other animals do not. How does Taylor respond to such views? Do you find his response convincing? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Many people believe that humans are superior...

Question 10

According to Hill, harm to humans and rights violations are

Accepted Answer

Hill argues that harm to humans and rights violations are good reasons to oppose environmental destruction, but they are not the only reasons. He argues that environmental destruction is morally wrong in and of itself, and that nature has inherent value that should be respected. Therefore, while harm to humans and rights violations are important considerations, they do not outweigh the fundamental moral obligation to protect the environment.

Question 11

Hill believes that we must take forests into account in our moral deliberations because they

Accepted Answer

Hill argues that we should consider forests in our moral deliberations not because they have rights or intrinsic value, but because our attitudes towards nature reflect our moral character and virtues.

Question 12

Hill recommends we address the issue of environmental ethics by turning our attention away from _______ and toward _______.

Accepted Answer

Hill suggests that in addressing environmental ethics, we should shift our focus from the rightness or wrongness of specific actions (which is a more traditional approach in ethics) to the moral character of individuals. This perspective emphasizes the development of virtues or traits that foster a respectful and ethical relationship with the environment.

Question 13

According to Hill, those who destroy natural environments

Accepted Answer

Hill states that those who destroy natural environments "often do so out of a lack of perspective on their place in the universe." The use of the word "often" implies that not all individuals who destroy natural environments lack an accurate view of their place in the universe. Therefore, option B is the best choice as it acknowledges that while lack of perspective is a common cause, it is not the only cause.

Question 14

Hill claims that people who lack respect for the environment tend to lack the virtue of

Accepted Answer

Hill argues that respecting the environment involves recognizing the value of nature and the benefits it provides to human beings. This recognition requires a sense of gratitude towards the environment, which is a virtue that people who lack respect for the environment tend to lack. This is distinct from the other virtues listed, such as temperance (self-control), courage, and prudence (practical wisdom).

Question 15

According to Hill, proper humility requires recognition

Accepted Answer

Hill argues that proper humility involves recognizing the importance of non-sentient nature, acknowledging that humans are not the only entities of value.

Question 16

According to Hill, what does it mean to cherish something?

Accepted Answer

According to Hill's article, to cherish something means to care for it for its own sake, to want it to survive/persist, and to be happy with it in the moment. Therefore, all of the above (A, B, and C) are correct.

Question 17

According to Hill, which of the following is a good reason not to destroy the natural environment?

Accepted Answer

Hill argues that not destroying the natural environment is important for multiple reasons, including the fact that it demonstrates virtuous behavior, that it often has aesthetic value, and that it has utility for human beings. Therefore, all answer choices are correct.

Question 18

What does Hill say about anti-environmentalists who think that nature is valuable, but only insofar as it is a means to enjoyment?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What does Hill say about anti-environmentalists who...

Question 19

According to Hill, what defect is often displayed by those who destroy natural environments?

Accepted Answer

Ignorance is often displayed by those who destroy natural environments because they do not understand the importance of these environments and the consequences of their actions.

Question 20

Why does Hill think it is difficult to explain what is wrong with destroying the environment in terms of rights and welfare? What alternative framework does he propose for looking at the issue? Why does he think this framework will be useful when standard ethical theories fail? Do you find his approach convincing? Defend your answers.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why does Hill think it is difficult...

Quiz 14: The Environment