Conservation Biology Ethical values

1. Enlightened self interest : Biodiversity and human
development

2. Enlightened self-interest
It is a philosophy in ethics which states
that persons who act to further the
interests of others (or the interests of the
group or groups to which they belong),
ultimately serve their own self interest.
Ethical arguments – we should act
altruistically toward nature regardless off
our material self-interest. It appeals to
our enlightened self interest , arguing
that preserving biodiversity and
developing our knowledge of it will make
us better and happier people.

3. Unenlightened self-interest
• In contrast to enlightened self-interest is simple greed,
• Everyone act according to their own narrow-minded selfishness, the group
suffers loss as a result of conflict,
• Decreased efficiency and productivity because of lack of cooperation,
• The increased expense each individual pays for the protection of their own
interests.
• If a typical individual in such a group is selected at random, it is not likely that this
person will profit from such a group ethic.
• Economic arguments – preserving biological diversity is in our material self
interest

4. How protecting biological diversity is in our
enlightened self-interest?

5. 1. Biological resources
• Food
• Medicinal resources and
pharmaceutical drugs
• Wood products
• Ornamental plants
• Breeding stocks, population
reservoirs
• Future resources
• Diversity in genes, species and
ecosystems

6. 2. Aesthetic and recreation enjoyment
• Everyone enjoys wildlife and
landscapes aesthetically and this joy
increases the quality of our life
• Nature related activity are important
in childhood development
• Recreational activities such as hiking,
canoeing , and mountain climbing are
physically , intellectually, and
emotionally satisfying

7. 3. Artistic expression and philosophical insight
• Poets, writers, painters and musicians of
all cultures have drawn inspiration from
wild nature
• Nature provides countless forms and
symbols for painters and sculptors to
render and interpret

8. 4. Scientific knowledge
• Science and our growing knowledge of nature are among humanity`s greatest
achievement.
• This knowledge is facilitated by the preservation of wild nature.
• Wild species preserve the record of evolution
• Young people are inspired to become scientist by personal contacts with wild
nature
• Three mysteries : how life originated, how the diversity of life interacts and how
humans evolved
• When species become extinct and ecosystem are damaged important clues are
lost

9. 5. Historical understanding
• Knowing nature is key to an
understanding of human history
• We need to preserve natural areas in
order to develop our historical
imagination
• In walking where our ancestors walked ,
we gain insight how they experienced
the world at slower pace and without
mechanized aids
• We often forget how recently humankind
has moved to ultra faster transportation ,
cellphones , and other aspect of modern
life

10. 6. Religious inspiration
• Many religions have tradition of coexisting
with nature in order to commune God with
spirit
• To separate and purify themselves of the
temptation and evils associated with life
within human communities.
• Being in nature allows us to clear and focus
our minds

11. 7. Protecting our life-support system and our economy
• Biological diversity preserves our basic life support systems of food production,
water supply, oxygen replenishment , waste disposal , soil conservation and more
• People will be happier and healthier in a clean, intact environment.
• Biodiversity also allow us to create tremendous economic wealth, directly and
indirectly

12. 8. Ecosystem services
• Protection of water resources
• Soils formation and protection
• Nutrient storage and recycling
• Pollution breakdown and absorption
• Contribution to climate stability
• Maintenance of ecosystems
• Recovery from unpredictable events

13. For the these and other reasons; degrading ecosystem and destroying
species is almost always contrary to peoples real interest. But we are
taking short term, selfish, overly materialistic view

14. Deep ecology
Deep ecology is an environmental movement
and philosophy which regards human life as
just one of many equal components of a global
ecosystem.
Deep ecology a philosophy that advocates
placing greater value on protecting biodiversity
through changes in personal attitude , life style
and event the societies.

15. Dominant world view
• Humans dominating nature
• Natural environment and species as
resource for humans
• A growing human population with a
rising standard of living
• Earth providing unlimited resource
• Ever-higher technology bringing
progress and solutions
Deep ecology
• Humans living in harmony with
nature
• A stable human population living
simply
• Earth providing limited resource
• Appropriate technology being used
with respect for the earth
• Spiritual and ethical as goals
• Local control, organized according to
ecosystem

16. Shallow ecology
• Shallow ecology is named in response to the deep ecology movement
• Shallow ecology refers to the philosophical or political position that
environmental preservation should only be practiced to the extent that it meets
human interests.
• If harming the environment will also harm humans, the environment should be
protected
• Rational beings (humans) are the only life-forms of value
• Humans can benefit from the environment
• If the fulfillment of human needs is hampered by damage to the environment,
then it is a matter for concern.

17. A B
Which diagram represent deep ecology?

18. Thank you for listening