Morality, energy, and the environment. [Causal interrelation of energy and social crises]

Journal Article · · Environ. Ethics; (United States)

OSTI ID:6545771

Sayre, K

Our crises of energy and of social values are causally interrelated. Our energy problems have contributed substantially to our contemporary value problems, as evident, for example, by the institution of the private automobiles, which has begun to erode the very values it initially served. That our energy crisis has resulted from problems of value is illustrated by setting up a simple model of producer-consumer interaction, with egoism and hedonism as dominant principles of duty and of good, respectively, and by showing that an energy crisis like the one we are currently experiencing is practically inevitable. These discussions lead to an assessment of the possible roles moral philosophy might play in confronting these two crises by replacing energy hedonism with a low-energy life style.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Notre Dame, IN
• OSTI ID: 6545771
• Journal Information: Environ. Ethics; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Ethics; (United States) Vol. 3:1; ISSN ENETD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
291000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Conservation
BEHAVIOR
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENVIRONMENT
ETHICS
LIFE STYLES
SOCIAL IMPACT