Social development versus saving nature? : a case study in environmental ethics

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:This research project has been purposed at shedding light and bringingclarity and practical resolution to the ethical dilemma brought about byseemingly incompatible principles and value positions associated with thetwo contentious issues: social development and nature conservation. Inview of exposing the contentions between the two above-mentioned valuepositions, this project has pitted anthropocentrism againstbiocen trism / ecocen trism.However, as alluded to in this research, many people in developingcountries, South Africa included, are victims of poverty and hunger whichneed redress. Unfortunately the alleviation of the same has been madepossible through ruthless exploitation and maximum expansion of naturalresources and in the process, the environment suffered much. However,with social development, the natural environment is often sacrificed andconversely with the protection and preservation of nature, man is thencondemned to destitution.With the introduction and the case expose forming the introduction of thisresearch project in Chapter 1, Chapter 2 is devoted to the researchmethodology used throughout this project. Also, given the problemstatement, endeavours to search for answers to the central questions areoutlined. An analysis of the case study is also made in this chapter.Chapter 3 deals with the weighing of the classical dilemmas namely:anthropocentrism versus biocentrism / ecocentrism and this further entailsthe notion of justice versus conservation pertaining the case in point.These classical dilemmas are put into critical perspective in Chapter 4wherein monistic value approaches are exposed in terms of their failures.Precisely, the either-or choices following from pure theoretical principles areput into question with reference to the case under discussion. Analternative, namely the pragmatic approach, which maintains a multiplicityof values, is hereby brought into play.Chapter 5 entails a critical appraisal of the decision to be taken by theMakhado Municipality Council with regard to the development of theshopping complex or the protection of the indigenous tree sanctuary. Inconclusion, recommendations and suggestions are stated within thecontext of the case in point. However, it is imperative to note that theserecommendations and suggestions should be read in conjunction with oneanother, and not in isolation from one another. Furthermore, the sameshould not in anyway be indiscriminately used as a universal standard inany similar or related case.Further research on this ethical debate is encouraged.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University