Terms and Definitions Worksheet
SCI/362 – Environmental Issues and Ethics
University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix Material
Terms and Definitions Worksheet
Write brief descriptions for each of the terms below. If you use an outside source to define them, include the citation for the source.

Scientific method | The scientific method is a process that is used to answer questions and solve problems. Although there are different variations of the scientific method, it contains 5 basic steps. (1) Recognize a question or an unexplained occurrence in the natural world. Once this question has been developed examine scientific literature to determine what is already known about the subject matter. (2) Develop a hypothesis. A hypothesis is an educated guess that will serve as a possible solution to the problem that is define in step (1). A good hypothesis is can be tested to either be approved or disapproved. The evidence that is presented that is factual is used to develop other alternative hypothesis which are also then tested and proved to be factual or disapproved. (3) Create and preform and experiment to test the hypothesis that was developed in step (2). This is done by collecting data through observation and careful measurements. This step never proves anything, instead is disproves each alternative hypothesis until only a reasonable hypothesis is left. (4) Analyze and interpret data to reach a conclusion. This step is used to determine if the evidence supports the hypothesis or to determine if any of the hypothesis need to be altered or rejected on the basis of observed data. (5) Share the new information discovered. This step allows for others to review the information and data that has been collect and repeat the experiment if wanted to prove or disprove the work that has been done. ReferenceRaven, P., Berg, L., & Hassenzahl, D. (2010). Environment. (7th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. | Environmental science | Environmental science is the branch of science that studies the relationship between humanity and other organisms in the nonliving physical environment. An environmental scientists studies systems, each which is a set of components that interact and function together as a whole. Natural systems that consist of communities of organisms and their physical environment is an ecosystem. Ecosystems are organized into larger systems that interact with each other. The Earth systems are a global level of systems which includes the Earth’s climate, atmosphere, land, oceans, and costal zones. ReferenceRaven, P., Berg, L., & Hassenzahl, D. (2010). Environment. (7th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. | Anthropocentrism | Anthropocentrism is human centered ethical thinking. This method of thinking relays that humans are separate from and ethically superior to nature, meaning that mankind has the right to use nature for their own purposes. Reference Light, A., & Rolston, H., III (Eds.). (2003). Environmental ethics: An anthology. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub Beckman, S., Kilbourne, W., Dam, Y., & Pardo, M. (1997). Anthropocentrism, Value Systems, and Environmental Attitudes: A Mutli-National Comparison | Biocentrism | Biocentrism is the view or belief that humans do not have rights above nature. This method of thinking relays that living things (nature) have rights and needs just as humans do and that all things have intrinsic value. ReferenceMerriam-Webster, Incorperated. (2012). Biocentrism - Definition | Dualism | Dualism is the method of thinking that regards a domain of reality into terms of two independent principles. Dualism is divided into 3 forms: Substance Dualism, Property Dualism, and Psychophysical Parallelism and Occasionalism. The most widely spread and persuasive is Substance Dualism, also known as Cartesian Dualism, which states that the mind it a separate entity from the brain. ReferencePriestly, B. (2001). Dualism: An Introductory Exploration | Ecocentrism | Ecocentrism is a method of thinking that considers the whole environment (ecosphere) as important. This way of thinking regards the whole ecosphere as deserving consideration, making all humans, organisms, animals, have equal rights and should be valued and cared for. Reference Biotechnology Online. (2005). Commonwealth of Australia. Glossary – Eco-centrism | Ecology | Ecology is the branch of biology that studies the relationship between organisms and their environment. Ecology is a basic tool of environmental science. Reference Raven, P., Berg, L., & Hassenzahl, D. (2010). Environment. (7th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. | Ecophilosophy | Ecophilosophy is a method of thinking that combines philosophy and ecology, while maintaining that humans are an intrinsic part of nature and are inseparable from it. It is the pursuit for ecologically wise and melodious living between humans and all nature. Reference deChambeau, Landsman, and Hauk. (2010). Ecophilosophy. Creative Commons Attribution | Ethics | Ethics is a division of philosophy that results through the logical human values. These values are the priciples that individuals or society consider being important. Values are not fixed entities, they change as cultural, political, economic, and social significances change. Ethics assist in determining forms of conduct that are morally acceptable or unacceptable as well as play a role in human activities that invole intelligent judgement and voluntary actions. When there are conflicting values, ethics help to distinguish which value is more important or better than the other values. Reference Raven, P., Berg, L., & Hassenzahl, D. (2010). Environment. (7th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. | Hedonism | Hedonism is the ethical theory that defines pleasure and the sense of satisfaction of desires is the proper aim of human life. Hedonism defines theories that state wha tis good for mankind, how mankind should behave, and what motivation mankind has to behave in the manner in which they do. All theories in Hedonism relate pleasure and pain as the only important elements of whatever occurrences they are used to describe. Reference Weijers, D. (2011). Hedonism. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand | Holism | Holism is the theory that all entities in nature and in the universe operate together as a whole rather than as separate components. The belief of holism is that one must review how components of natural systems work together, rather than as individual parts, to understand nature and its abilities. In medical terms holism refers to treating the whole body rather than just the issue. Reference Merriam-Webster, Incorperated. (2012). Holism - Definition | Individualism | Individualism is the belief that focuses on independence and self-reliance. Individualist focus on realizing individual goals and desires, while opposing outside ideas from society. Reference ION Publications, LLC. (2012). A Perspective on Individualism | Materialism | Materialism is the theory that matter, its movements and variations are the only actual reality. Reference Trustees of Princeton University. (2012). WordNet Search 3.1 – Materialism. | Metaphysical | Metaphysical is the inquiry into the nature of reality and the science of being. This includes the fundamental nature of human beings, what we are and what is here when we become. Reference Institute of Metaphysical Science. (2012). Scientific Metaphysics, Science of Being, Christian Science. | Minimalism | Minimalism is theory of simplicity. Its practice is to live through taking care of basic necessities to achieve happiness. Reference Slobodkin, L. B. (1986). The role of minimalism in art and science. The American Naturalist, 127(3), 1. | Monism | Monism is the theory that there is only one ultimate substance, one God, or one principal. Monism is also the view that reality is one organic whole with no independent parts. Reference Merriam Webster Incorporated. (2012). Monism – Definition. | Ethical extensionism | Ethical extensionism assumes an orthodox ethic that argues that moral standing should be applied to a group that is usually excluded from moral consideration, such as plant and animals. Reference Southeastern Missouri State. (n.d.). Glossary of Terms in Environmental Ethics. | Pluralism | Pluralism is the principle that reality consists of numerous substances and elements. Reference Trustees of Princeton University. (2012). WordNet Search 3.1 – Pluralism. | Naturalism | Naturalism is the idea that the world can be understood scientifically without reference to spiritual or supernatural explanation. Reference Trustees of Princeton University. (2012). WordNet Search 3.1 – Naturalism. | Normative | Normative refers to what is technically considered to be normal or regular. Normative ethics refers to the principle of formulating and defending basic moral principles, systems, rules, and virtues which serve as the guidelines of which actions are appropriate and acceptable, what movitations should be embraced, and what characteristics a person should have. Reference Light, A., & Rolston, H., III (Eds.). (2003). Environmental ethics: An anthology. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub Bellevue College. (n.d.) Ethical Terms. | Pragmatic | Pragmatics is the science of language usage emphasizing on socio-cultural variables in human interaction through language. This describes how language is used in different contexts, cultures, and environment. Pragmatics defines the social rules of language that determine which language in interpreted as appropriate or inappropriate behavior. Reference Markham Stouffville Hospital. (2000-2012). Beyond Words – Terms and Definitions. | Relativism | Relativism is based on the principle that all knowledge is subjective, therefore all truths are equal. Relativism is generally used to state that there is a relative aspect to all truths, but this doesn’t mean that all truths are equal. The extreme form of relativism is absolute relativism. Reference Hoffman, L. (2005-2008). Postmodernism Dictionary. | Utilitarian | Utilitarian is a person who practices practical and effective use of natural resources. They believe that these resources should be valued for the benefits and usefulness that they offer, but that the use of these resources should be monitored and used carefully. Reference Raven, P., Berg, L., & Hassenzahl, D. (2010). Environment. (7th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. |

References
Raven, P., Berg, L., & Hassenzahl, D. (2010). Environment. (7th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Light, A., & Rolston, H., III (Eds.). (2003). Environmental ethics: An anthology. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub Priestly, B. (2001). Dualism: An Introductory Exploration. Retrieved from http://www.brentonpriestley.com/writing/dualism.htm Biotechnology Online. (2005). Commonwealth of Australia. Glossary – Eco-centrism. Retrieved from http://archive.innovation.gov.au/Biotechnologyonline/topitems/glossary.html deChambeau, Landsman, and Hauk. (2010). Ecophilosophy. Creative Commons Attribution. Retrieved From http://www.earthregenerative.org/gaiamethods/ecophilosophy.html Weijers, D. (2011). Hedonism. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.iep.utm.edu/hedonism/ Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. (2012). Holism – Definition. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holism Merriam Webster, Incorporated. (2012). Monism – Definition. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monism Southeastern Missouri State. (n.d.). Glossary of Terms in Environmental Ethics. Retrieved from http://cstl-cla.semo.edu/hill/ui429/eeglossary.htm

ION Publications, LLC. (2012). A Perspective on Individualism. Retrieved from http://www.science20.com/gerhard_adam/perspective_individualism Trustees of Princeton University. (2012). WordNet Search 3.1 – Pluralism. Retrieved from http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=Pluralism&sub=Search+WordNet&o2=&o0=1&o8=1&o1=1&o7=&o5=&o9=&o6=&o3=&o4=&h= Bellevue College. (n.d.) Ethical Terms. Retrieved from http://bellevuecollege.edu/artshum/materials/phil/Updegrove/Winter05/100/EthicalTerms.htm Markham Stouffville Hospital. (2000-2012). Beyond Words – Terms and Definitions. Retrieved from http://www.beyond-words.org/definitions.htm Hoffman, L. (2005-2008). Postmodernism Dictionary. Retrieved from http://www.postmodernpsychology.com/Postmodernism_Dictionary.html#Relativism Trustees of Princeton University. (2012). WordNet Search 3.1 – Materialism. Retrieved from http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=materialism Institute of Metaphysical Science. (2012). Scientific Metaphysics, Science of Being, Christian Science. Retrieved from http://www.scientificmetaphysics.org/ Slobodkin, L. B. (1986). The role of minimalism in art and science. The American Naturalist, 127(3), 1. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2461400?uid=3739728&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=56172200293 Trustees of Princeton University. (2012). WordNet Search 3.1 – Naturalism. Retrieved from http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=Naturalism&sub=Search+WordNet&o2=&o0=1&o8=1&o1=1&o7=&o5=&o9=&o6=&o3=&o4=&h=
Beckman, S., Kilbourne, W., Dam, Y., & Pardo, M. (1997). Anthropocentrism, Value Systems, and Environmental Attitudes: A Mutli-National Comparison. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:SkvDAyTnQpcJ:www.uc3m.es/portal/page/portal/grupos_investigacion/sociologia_cambio_climatico/Pardo%2520-%2520Anthropocentrism%2520Environmental%2520Values%2520(ENG).pdf+define+Anthropocentrism&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgpfWFjCGIl_mgREr4KPvNKXcnu-iJV65XZj80REpAj4rUPQp89asYoehKDeNJQ3lrXNFT8syUG8FQ9xFf_h4NZ1skOuqYCBwOGqtewIA9b734KwqNTq1LsdMwDgWm0kZf7XZy4&sig=AHIEtbSIxykwZS6u_h-taZPYXrc4aZMfpw
Merriam-Webster Incorporated. (2012). Biocentrism. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biocentrism