Bioethics with Respect to Environmental Policy

In order to decide on environmental policy in general, we have to define what is morally acceptable to do to the environment and what is not. There are several philosophical ideas that may pertain to the quest of right and wrong when dealing with the environment.

1. Universalism. Plato, who posited that there are basic principles of ethics, first explored this idea. He believed that there are rules and clear-cut right vs. wrong and that they are, in addition, universal in nature. However, there is debate on the source of these principles and ethical codes.

2. Utilitarianism. Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill developed this theory jointly. It says that any action is justified if it produces the greatest amount of satisfaction for the greatest amount of people. However, this theory is flawed in that there is not quantitative or standardized measurement of happiness.

3. Consequentialism. This theory is related to utilitarianism but differs in that it assumes that an action is correct if the net or marginal gain is greater than its net or marginal cost. This theory relies solely on the economics idea of cost-benefit analysis.

4. Relativism. This theory was thought of by ancient Greek intellects called the Sophists. They argued that there is no set rules or codes that determine right from wrong. They believed that right and wrong are all determined by cultures and other separating factors.

5. Rationalism. This philosophical theory deals with right and wrong by using logical analysis and arguments. It relies on the power of reason first promoted by Descartes.

6. Nihilism. This theory is most closely credited to Friedrich Nietzsche who said that the concepts of values and moral values are useless because fundamentally, nothing can be known or communicated. He believed that there is no purpose in life except to struggle to survive.

These philosophical views are only general summaries that do not capture the theories in their entirety. However, they are useful to use when we think of ways to decide what is acceptable environmental policy and what is unacceptable. These philosophies basically capture the various arguments and mindsets that people have when they approach this complex issue.