FYUG Even Semester Exam 2025: PHIIDC-151 Environmental Ethics Solutions

Subject: Philosophy (Environmental Ethics)

Paper Code: PHIIDC-151

Semester: 2nd Semester

Full Marks: 70 | Pass Marks: 28

Time: 3 Hours

UNIT-I

Question 1 [1 × 4 = 4 Marks]

(a) What is environment?

The environment refers to the sum total of all living and non-living elements and their effects that influence human life, including natural forces and the physical surroundings.

(b) Who is considered to be the father of environmental ethics?

Aldo Leopold is widely considered a foundational figure (father) of environmental ethics, particularly for his "Land Ethic".

(c) What is air pollution?

Air pollution is the presence of substances in the atmosphere that are harmful to the health of humans and other living beings, or cause damage to the climate or materials.

(d) What is the major objective of environmental ethics?

The major objective is to define the moral relationship between human beings and the environment, ensuring the preservation of nature for its own sake and for future generations.

(e) Pollution only affects the environment, not human health. Is it true?

False. Pollution significantly affects human health, causing respiratory issues, waterborne diseases, and other long-term illnesses.

Question 2 [2 Marks]

Option A

Define environmental ethics.

Environmental ethics is the branch of ethics that studies the moral relationship of human beings to, and also the value and moral status of, the environment and its non-human contents.
Option B

Define environmental pollution.

Environmental pollution is the contamination of the physical and biological components of the earth/atmosphere system to such an extent that normal environmental processes are adversely affected.

Question 3 [8 Marks]

Option A

Discuss the scope of environmental ethics. What is the importance of environmental ethics in contemporary society?

Scope: The scope includes analyzing the intrinsic value of nature, animal rights, resource conservation, and global climate justice. It also covers the study of different theories like Anthropocentrism and Ecocentrism.

Importance:

  • Sustainability: Provides a moral framework for sustainable development.
  • Policy Making: Guides governments in creating effective environmental laws.
  • Moral Awareness: Shifts human perspective from seeing nature as a mere resource to seeing it as a moral subject.

UNIT-II

Question 4 [1 × 4 = 4 Marks]

(a) How is ecofeminism related to environment?

Ecofeminism links the patriarchal oppression of women to the exploitation of the environment, suggesting both stem from the same mindset of domination.

(b) What is the main focus of ecofeminism?

The main focus is on the connection between women and nature, advocating for a society based on care and non-hierarchical relationships rather than dominance.

(c) Who is the founder of deep ecology?

Arne Naess is the founder of deep ecology.

(d) Who is the founder of social ecology?

Murray Bookchin is the founder of social ecology.

(e) Social ecology seeks to create a society based on mutual aid, cooperation, and ecological principles.

True. This reflects the core vision of social ecology as a path to ecological harmony.

Question 6 [8 Marks]

Option A

What is deep ecology? Discuss its main principles.

Definition: Deep ecology is an environmental philosophy that promotes the inherent worth of all living beings regardless of their instrumental utility to human needs.

Main Principles:

  • Intrinsic Value: All life has value in itself.
  • Diversity: Richness and diversity of life forms contribute to the realization of these values.
  • Human Intervention: Humans have no right to reduce this richness except to satisfy vital needs.
  • Policy Change: Significant improvement requires changes in economic, technological, and ideological structures.

UNIT-III

Question 7 [1 × 4 = 4 Marks]

(a) Which theory of environmental ethics prioritises human interests?

Anthropocentrism prioritises human interests and needs above all other beings.

(b) What is the main focus of ecocentrism?

The main focus is the ecosystem as a whole, including both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components.

(c) Which theory recognises the intrinsic value of all living beings?

Biocentrism recognizes the intrinsic value of all living things, asserting their right to exist.

(d) What is the main criticism of anthropocentrism?

The main criticism is that it leads to the reckless exploitation of nature and ignores the moral status of non-human entities.

Question 9 [8 Marks]

Option A

What are the different theories of environmental ethics? Explain each of them.

Theory Core Focus Moral Status
Anthropocentrism Humans Only humans have intrinsic value.
Biocentrism All Living Beings Life itself is the criteria for moral status.
Ecocentrism Whole Ecosystems The entire nature (soil, water, plants) has value.

UNIT-IV

Question 10 [1 × 4 = 4 Marks]

(a) What is the basic principle of respecting animals?

The basic principle is acknowledging that animals are "subjects-of-a-life" with their own interests and the right not to be treated as mere means to human ends.

(d) Who is a well-known philosopher associated with animal rights?

Peter Singer (utilitarian perspective) and Tom Regan (rights-based perspective) are key figures.

Question 12 [8 Marks]

Option B

What are the basic principles of animal rights? Discuss ethical implications.

Principles: Animal rights advocate that animals should have the right to live free from suffering and exploitation. It rejects the view that animals are property.

Ethical Implications:

  • Food: Challenges the morality of factory farming.
  • Research: Questions the necessity and ethics of animal testing.
  • Entertainment: Opposes the use of animals in circuses and zoos for human amusement.

UNIT-V

Question 13 [1 × 4 = 4 Marks]

(a) What does bioethics deal with?

Bioethics deals with ethical issues arising from advances in biology and medicine.

(b) When did the study of bioethics start?

The term and formal study gained prominence in the early 1970s.

(d) What is the most important principle in bioethics?

Autonomy (the right of the patient to choose) is often considered a primary principle.

Question 15 [8 Marks]

Option A

Explain the nature of bioethics and its significance in contemporary society.

Nature: Bioethics is interdisciplinary, involving medicine, law, and philosophy to address complex moral dilemmas.

Significance: It ensures that technological progress in areas like gene editing and cloning does not violate fundamental human dignity and moral values.

Exam Focus Enhancements

Exam Tips

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  • For Unit II, clearly differentiate between Social Ecology (human hierarchies) and Deep Ecology (biospheric egalitarianism)[span_79](end_span).
  • In Unit III, use a table to compare the three "Centrisms" to save time and gain clarity.

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing Biocentrism (all individual life) with Ecocentrism (the whole system/land).
  • Forgetting to mention Arne Naess when discussing Deep Ecology.

Important Formulas / Definitions

  • Land Ethic: "A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community".
  • The Four Principles of Bioethics: Autonomy, Beneficence, Non-maleficence, and Justice.