4.1 Introduction to Sustainability
Development that sustains the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs of future generations.
Sustainable Development
What is one example of something that could harm future generations?
pollution, nuclear waste, or climate change
Are wilderness areas essential or non-essential resource?
Non-essential
How does Traditional Market Economics and Sustainable Economics view Growth and Development differently?
Traditional Market Economics views growth and development as connected: Increase of Growth = Increase in Development
Sustainable Market Economics views them as separate concepts that can influence each other: Increase of Growth can increase Development, but Development can occur without Growth.
(The idea is, do we really need "growth"?)
What do the letters of I=PAT stand for?
Environmental Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology
This argument says we can't know what future people will need, so we can't have responsibilities to them.
Argument from Ignorance
When considering the "happiness" of future generations, how should happiness be measured?
Total overall happiness AND average happiness
2 key aspects of Sustainable Economics (NOT including growth and development).
- How can we live within the regenerative limits of the Earth?
- How can we keep the welfare of future generations in mind?
One of the books mentioned to tackle the issues of population growth, and over-consumption of resources.
The Population Bomb, or The Closing Circle.
Why do philosophers still believe we have responsibilities to future people?
Because whoever is born will still need a safe and healthy world.
What where the 3 views used to determine what is owed to future generations?
Utilitarian, Duty-based ethics, Psychological egoism
What are the 3 main issues that can occur with a sustainable economic view-point according to the book?
- Often assumed we want to keep/sustain current consumerism patterns
- Overemphasis and misconceptions of resource scarcity and advancing technology.
- Can become anthropocentric; diminishing the negative environmental impact on nature itself.