Abstract:
The objective in this paper is to highlight a few concepts and approaches from the discipline of ethics that might serve as food for thought when students are wrestling with controversial natural resource issues and ethical behavior as natural resource professionals. Overall, this discussion advocates critical reflection, empirical inquiry, and intellectual honesty with particular attention paid to the interrelationship between science and ethics. I suspect not all will agree with everything I suggest, but, as in the classroom, my purpose is to stimulate thought and dialogue and share experiences. First, I present some foundational concepts followed by a simplified summary of classical approaches to ethics. I then briefly discuss the field of environmental ethics and caution against the unclear use of language and fallacious thinking. Finally, I advocate a commonsense interpretation of the precautionary principle and a clear distinction between means and ends.
Keywords:
ethics, natural resource management
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