International Journal of Applied Ethics

Nonviolent Eco-Activism: Ethical Pathways to Achieving Eco-Peace and Environmental Protection

2024-12-23T03:29:47+00:00

In today's environmental crisis and imbalance era, the need for active participation in environmental protection is more significant than ever. Nonviolent eco-activism has emerged as a powerful force for finding a durable solution to the growing environmental crisis. Although the efficacy and ethical basis of such activism continue to be debated, given the state of the Earth today, we need to urgently focus on a peaceful and sustainable solution to address these challenges. This research paper seeks to understand the ethical considerations behind nonviolent eco-activism and examines its vital role in achieving eco-peace and environmental conservation. By analyzing its core principles, practical applications, case studies, historical roots, philosophical underpinnings, contemporary relevance, challenges, criticisms, and comprehensive investigations of effectiveness, this research aims to empower individuals and communities to engage in peaceful environmental action. Additionally, this paper attempts to provide philosophical insights into how nonviolent eco-activism can contribute to peacefully addressing the many challenges facing our natural world and building a more sustainable and just future for upcoming generations.

Self-paternalism: The Concept and Key Normative Problems

2024-12-23T04:52:32+00:00

Paternalism is normally defined as an act where some agent, e.g., the state, imposes something on another agent, e.g., a citizen. That is, one party is acting paternalistically towards another party. In this paper, I argue that self-paternalism is not an oxymoron: one may act paternalistically towards oneself. Self-paternalism typically involves a diachronic aspect, pitting the choice or will of an agent a against the choice or will of a at some later time. I argue that the prior act or decision can be felt as an alien imposition for a at some later time even if it originates from him- or herself. We cannot always say that “the true will” or “the settled preferences” of the agent is identified by the decision to bind oneself an earlier time. Furthermore, doing away with the worry about paternalism by subsuming a's original choice or decision under the harm principle seems to have some very disagreeable moral implications. Furthermore, it is argued that while the “self” in self-paternalism indeed gives us some reason to find such acts morally permissible, this may be outweighed by other, non trivial concerns: Self-paternalist acts may express an undue mistrust in one's own willpower or moral agency. They can be judgmental in a way that conflicts with proper self-respect. Moreover, the restraint or “penalty” attached to certain acts of self-paternalism may be too burdensome. Finally, if an act of self-paternalism contributes to the atrophy of our “moral muscles”, such an act may be morally dubious. I conclude that there is room for both self paternalism as a concept, and for wrong acts of self-paternalism.

Ethical Compliance matters in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs): A Study in a selected HEI of Assam, India

2024-12-23T05:48:45+00:00

Ethical compliance of students of HEIs is a burning issue in the modern days. Because the present unethical behaviors of the students of HEIs are doubling the risks of creating future unethical professions like doctor, engineer, layer etc. The present study on ethical compliance of students is an empirical study conducted in a higher education institution of Assam. The study explores the nature and extent of ethical compliance of students by using Likert type scale data. Data are collected randomly from 63 sample students by using questionnaire method. The study found that ethics education is very essential for the students' community to make ethical decision and responsible citizen. The study also observed that the students with ethics education can acquire skill and ability to exhibit their logical decision-making power. The study highlights ways and means for making obligation and respect towards ethical issues by the students of HEIs.

Reevaluating Freedom and Autonomy: Kantian Ethics in the Modern World

2024-12-24T08:43:49+00:00

In this paper, I will examine the concept of freedom and autonomy within Kantian philosophy, emphasizing its significance in contemporary ethical discourse. Immanuel Kant's deontological framework, particularly as outlined in Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals (2012), posits that autonomy and self-legislation according to moral law- are essential for true freedom and moral action. The debate between autonomy and heteronomy is central to understanding moral responsibility and practical reason. Kant's 'Categorical Imperative,' with its emphasis on universalizability and treating humanity as an end in itself, provides a robust foundation for ethical behaviour. This paper argues for the enduring relevance of Kant's principles, highlighting their applicability in addressing modern moral dilemmas. Navigating the complexities of autonomy and heteronomy underscores the importance of maintaining moral autonomy in contemporary society.

Ethical Risk in Research and Challenge to Academic Integrity

2024-12-24T09:00:44+00:00

The purpose of the work is to delve into the hypothetical proposition that ethics in research, academic and in allied professional space are often negotiated. This can be considered 'ethical deficit' in the practice, resulting the impression of uncertainty in the minds of research findings receivers. So, paper would argue that practice of ethics has been in 'complex position'. Section I would be to understand the state of complexities of ethical positions in different forms and aspects. Section II of the writing would be dealing to identify different types and factors behind ethical misconduct in the publication context. Section III would involve identifying possible implications on account of breach of ethical principles. Moreover, writing takes the basis of arguing that unethical commitment in the aspects of delivering findings, publishing ideas can bring severe and reverse consequences to academic community, society and professionalism. Section IV would have the end argument for remedies that can be initiated and institutionalised from different parties such as scholars, researchers, academicians, academic institutions, publishing houses and the government.

Islamic ,Ethics Islamic Ethics: Exploring its Principles and Scope

2024-12-24T09:11:34+00:00

Islamic ethics is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Qur'an and the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which together provide the moral framework for guiding Muslims. At the heart of this ethical system is the core belief in the oneness and supremacy of Allah (Tawhid). This belief in Tawhid mandates submission to His will and encourages Muslims to cultivate and embody virtuous qualities in all aspects of life. The teachings of Islam are not just abstract ideals but are intended to guide individuals in their personal conduct, interactions with others, and their roles within larger societal structures. The ethical principles derived from the Qur'an and the Sunnah offer comprehensive guidance on how to live a just, compassionate, and honorable life. The scope of Islamic ethics is broad, encompassing personal behavior, social relationships, economic dealings, and even governance. The Qur'an and Hadith collectively address various virtues such as justice, compassion, honesty, and respect for others, providing a framework that informs how Muslims engage with the world around them. For instance, the Qur'an emphasizes fairness in trade and transparency in dealings, while the Hadith often highlight the importance of kindness and humility in personal interactions. This ethical guidance is intended to promote a balanced and equitable society, reflecting the divine principles of mercy and fairness. Studying Islamic ethics requires a multifaceted approach that integrates both analytical and descriptive methods. Researchers analyze the ethical principles found in the Qur'an and Hadith, exploring how these principles have been interpreted and applied throughout history. This examination often involves looking at how Islamic ethics has evolved in response to various historical and cultural contexts, and how it continues to address contemporary issues. By delving into these teachings, scholars aim to uncover the deeper philosophical foundations of Islamic ethics and understand their practical implications. This research is not only important for Muslims seeking to live according to their faith but also contributes to broader discussions on ethics and morality. By offering insights into how Islamic principles inform ethical behavior and decision-making, this research provides valuable perspective that can enrich the understanding of ethics for both Muslims and non-Muslims. It highlights the relevance of Islamic ethics in fostering moral and just societies and contributes to the global dialogue on universal values and ethical practices.

Exploring Moral Status of Animals in Indian Philosophical Thought

2024-12-24T11:01:53+00:00

The paper intends to expound the philosophical perspectives of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism on non-human animals and analyze their implication on the moral standing of th animals. Until 17 Century, deliberations concerning the moral worth of animals were largely absent from the western philosophical debates. The then prevailing western religio philosophical discourses subscribed to the view that animals differed greatly from humans and thus were not moral beings. It was only with Bentham's recognition of animals' capacity of sentience and later on the 1970s environmental crisis which escalated the animal question into an ethical question. Acknowledging Animal Ethics as a branch of philosophical study necessitated the issue surrounding the moral standing of animals to be extensively debated in the stream of western philosophical thought.

Today, so much so is the animal issue percolated in the mainstream of Western philosophy that there exist utilitarian and deontological approaches to resolve the same. Indian Philosophical traditions, unlike their Western counterpart, do not propound any animal specific ethical theories. However, it does not imply that they view animals outside the moral sphere. Indian philosophical thought instead hold that animals are interconnected to humans life-forms given their identical pure Jivas, each going through endless re-birth cycles (samsara) and also being manifestation of One, Absolute Monistic reality. This philosophical insight of Indian traditions to establish commonality between human and an animal not only does away with human/animal binary postulated by west but also forms ground for asserting the moral status of animals wherein animals are regarded as moral beings deserving equality, reverence, compassion and empathy.

Costs of Biodiversity Restoration: A Case Study of Okhla Bird Sanctuary

2024-12-24T11:12:21+00:00

The continued expansion of the human population and the growth of per capita consumption has resulted in an unsustainable exploitation of the biological diversity present on Earth. Effective strategies of conservation are vital to the survival of the human species. Safeguarding the biodiversity habitats including wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and biosphere reserves plays a crucial role here. Successful approaches of conservation require adequate investment directed towards restoring these areas. On the contrary, these protected areas are at various stages of degradation due to several anthropogenic pressures. This presents a conundrum wherein the twin goals of any society conflict with each other. Prioritisation of economic growth would compromise environmental conservation and vice versa. The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is one such example of a protected area. Tremendous anthropogenic pressure over the years in the form of increasing development activities and pollution discharge in the wetland has led a decline in the number of the bird species. In this study, we conduct an opportunity cost analysis of restricting the activities that are posing threat to the wetland and the sanctuary. GIS based tools are employed to demarcate an eco-sensitive zone around the sanctuary within which major development projects are prohibited. The future revenue stream for the services forgone is discounted and calculated along with the estimated market value of the land in the no-development zone to arrive at the opportunity cost.

The study found out an opportunity cost of INR 5,192 crores at 2020 prices. A monetary valuation of restoring ecosystem services serves as a guide to policymakers to find a win-win solution to the development versus environment puzzle. A sustainable future requires a wider lens to not view this issue as a zero-sum game rather follow an integrated approach incorporating the precautionary principle.

Cultural Appropriation, Artistic Freedom and the Ethics of Representation

2024-12-24T11:20:20+00:00

This paper takes the recent debate about cultural appropriation in Assam initiated by the national award-winning Dimasa movie Semkhor. It contextualises the controversy within the milieu of ethnic identity politics in Assam. Then, it goes beyond the ethnic dimension and highlights the ethical complexities inherent in cultural representation within artistic endeavours. It argues that the issue of artistic freedom adds a new dimension to the tendency of loosely using the term cultural appropriation, especially in a world where artistic freedom is increasingly being endangered.