6) The concept of ecological consciousness is a market departure from the approach adopted by environmental ethics. Comment.(250 words)

Why this question

The issue is related to GS-4 syllabus under the following heading –

Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics;

Key demand of the question.

The question wants us to us to bring out the difference between the two concepts- environmental ethics as it is understood today and the concept of ecological consciousness.

Directive word

Comment- We have to express our knowledge and understanding of both the concepts and bring out the difference between the two. Based on our discussion we have to form an opinion on the issue.

Structure of the answer

Introduction- Define environmental ethics.

Body-

• Discuss the environmental ethics in detail- its approaches and limitations.

• Discuss the concept of ecological consciousness and how it is different from environmental ethics. E.g departure from the anthropocentric approach, associating man with nature rather than detaching him from it etc.

Read the reference article given with the question properly to form your opinion on the issue and also to frame your answer.

Conclusion– Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced opinion on the desirability of the two approaches.