Original scientific paper

ETHOS OF RESPONSIBILITY AND ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY

Ivan Cifrić ; Faculty of Philosophy, Zagreb

Abstract

This article discusses the relationship between "the responsibility for ecological conditions of life" (four types of echo–ethos: egocentric, utilitarian, biocentric and holistic) versus "ecological sensitivity", "sovereignty over natural goods" and "the right of species to life space". Empirical research has been carried out (1997) on student sample (N=685) of University of Zagreb.
The highest percentage of subjects (91%) accepts the holistic ethos. 97% of subjects (88% holists) accepts the restriction of state sovereignty over natural goods (45% without compensation). The majority of subjects thinks that man does not have bigger rights to life space than other species (65% are the advocates of holistic ethos).
By means of factor analysis two factors of "ecological sensitivity" have been obtained. Proponents of "the use of nature" advocate total state sovereignty over natural goods and bigger man's rights to life space, and the proponents of "the preservation of nature" are in favor of restricted state sovereignty and equal rights to life space of man as well as of other species.
The differentiation of subjects according to the types of ethos has also been established. It showed (the minority of) egocentrics and utilitarians and (the majority of) biocentrics and holists.

Keywords

ethics; ecological sensitivity; ethos–type; ecological responsibility; common concern of humankind; the rights of species; ecological sovereignty

Hrčak ID:

141525

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/141525

Publication date:

15.5.1997.

Article data in other languages: croatian german

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