Ethics and environmental decision making
The subject of environmental ethics trends to be dominated by the idea that the right environmental actions require a change in the value systems of many people. The author argues that the rebirth approach is perverse in that moral attitudes are not easily changed by moral suasion. A properly ethical approach must begin where we are, as moderately moral people desiring the best for all. The real ethical problem is to develop procedures for collectively defining environmental ends that will be fair to the parties participating in the decision process. This idea is essentially utilitarian, and depends on the maximization of expected social utility. This type of environmental ethics is contrasted with current theories of social choice in welfare economics and with Rawls' theory of justice as fairness. 26 references.
- Research Organization:
- Case Western Reserve Univ., Cleveland, OH
- OSTI ID:
- 5355284
- Journal Information:
- Environ. Ethics; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Ethics; (United States) Vol. 1:3; ISSN ENETD
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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