Chapter-13. The Concept of Environmental Ethics in Western Tradition from the Greek Period to the Present Day: A Philosophical Perspective
| dc.contributor.author | Adhikary, Samir | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-06-01T16:13:58Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-06-01T16:13:58Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2026 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Today, the lives of civilized people have undergone a significant transformation. Our attitudes and tastes have evolved, and the rhythm of life has changed dramatically. Many people today are restless and work-driven, eager to travel the world in a relentless race against time. Consequently, speed has become a primary means of entertainment; individuals crave to go faster and faster, hoping to conquer the world through the power of speed. This obsession with speed also influences our choices of transportation for leisure activities. From an eco-centric ethical perspective, it is more appropriate to use bicycles on land and stand-up paddleboats on water for enjoying travel, as these options do not contribute to environmental pollution. In contrast, using motorbikes and motorboats causes environmental harm: the combustion of fossil fuels pollutes water and air, endangering aquatic life and contributing harmful carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Environmental ethics are not solely concerned with human interests; they also encompass the welfare of all sentient beings and the needs of future generations. These ethics are tied to the human aesthetic experience and the appreciation of beauty found in nature, like forests surrounded by mountains and rivers. In eco-centric ethics, materialism and attachment to possessions are not regarded as life’s ultimate goals. In a materialistic society, a person’s well-being is often measured by their wealth and consumer goods. However, eco-centric ethics define well-being through personal development, character excellence, and self-satisfaction. This ethical framework encourages frugality, as excessive consumption contributes to environmental degradation. It advises people to limit their sense of need. Human desires are limitless, often leading to attempts to dominate the entire world, which inevitably results in environmental damage and, ultimately, the extinction of humanity. A wise principle to prevent such a fate is to distinguish between ‘essential needs’ and mere ‘wants’ and to focus on satisfying only our essential needs. For instance, while it may be justifiable to cut down some trees for necessary wood and paper production, it is inappropriate to destroy an entire forest for excess resources intended for commercial profit. The temporary economic gain from logging does not compare to the long-term value of preserving an intact forest. | |
| dc.format.extent | 175-193 | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Adhikary, S. (2026). The concept of environmental ethics in Western tradition from the Greek period to the present day: A philosophical perspective. In G. Rajbanshi, F. Hossain, & S. Adhikary (Eds.), Contemporary aspects of environment, society, and livelihood (pp. 175–193). Shankhik Publication. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://gbm.ndl.gov.in/handle/123456789/248 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Shankhik | |
| dc.subject | HUMANITIES and RELIGION::History and philosophy subjects::Philosophy subjects | |
| dc.title | Chapter-13. The Concept of Environmental Ethics in Western Tradition from the Greek Period to the Present Day: A Philosophical Perspective | |
| dc.type | Book chapter |