GS4 · 10 marks · 150 words

The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings.

Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2021

Environmental EthicsDimensions of Ethics

Syllabus: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics - in private and public relationships. Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

How toppers approached it

From all 5 answers · about 160 words · 40% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • No separate opening60%
  • A definition40%

Body

  • Points and prose40%
  • Points40%
  • Continuous prose20%

Close

  • A way forward60%
  • No separate close20%
  • A summary20%

The toppers’ answers

Aishwarya VermaAIR 4 · CSE 2021 · 107 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Recently there have been many instances of giving legal rights to non-living entity. Eg: Uttarakhand giving legal status to rivers.

This leads to increase in moral circle of humanity leading to inclusion of many things. Benefit of giving such rights:

Body · points and prose

Recently there have been many instances of giving legal rights to non-living entity. Eg: Uttarakhand giving legal status to rivers.

This leads to increase in moral circle of humanity leading to inclusion of many things.

Diagram
* inclusion of many things * Environmental ethics * inclusion of environmental angle in practices * inclusion of animal rights * Eg: Acts like prevention of cruelty to animals * Common goods * outer space * open seas * Atmosphere

Benefit of giving such rights: (1) Respect the fact that world is not owned by humans alone. (2) leads to sustainability of resources. (3) protection of creatures who cannot protect themselves. (4) Ensure that benefit to human does not cause harm to other. Eg: Marine debris → aquatic animals. encroachment - loss of habitat

Diagram
* issues * enforcability * consensus on such rights * further delays and inefficiencies in system

It is the inner moral compass of humans that can be used as guide to enforce such rights.

Close

Eg: Marine debris → aquatic animals. encroachment - loss of habitat It is the inner moral compass of humans that can be used as guide to enforce such rights.

More on Environmental Ethics

Obligation towards the non-human and the unborn: sustainability, animal welfare, intergenerational equity, development against ecology.

All GS4 questions on Environmental Ethics