Hypothesis&research outline

Hypothesis & Research Outline // Charlene Sequeira // Directed Research // Summer 2012

Hello!This thesis presents the hypothesis that



and needs to be re-defined through a biocentric lens (where all forms of life have

intrinsic value and are worthy of equal moral consideration).


This will lead to the creation of new value systems


that promote environmental restoration at the heart of every social endeavor.


These new value systems would thus become the building blocks for


a more effective and participatory model of sustainable development.


This thesis presents the hypothesis that the concept of sustainability is flawed and needs

to be re-defined through a biocentric lens (where all forms of life have intrinsic value and are worthy of equal moral consideration). This will lead to the creation of new value systems

that promote environmental restoration at the heart of every social endeavor. These new value systems would thus become the building

blocks for a more effective and participatory model of sustainable development.


Research Outline


I: Introduction: The role of humans in the ecosystem 1. As a dominant species

2. As an inter-dependent member

3. As a privileged care-taker


II: Social Values & Environmental Ethics 1. Social Values and The Development of Rights

2. Early Development of Environmental Ethics


II: Social Values & Environmental Ethics(continuted)

3. Approaches to Environmental Ethics a. Equal Consideration of Intent b. Arguments from Marginal Cases c. Speciesism d. Ecocentrisim e. Deep Ecology

f. Biocentrism

4. Biocentrism versus Anthropomorphism


III: The Concept of Sustainability 1. Definition of sustainability – History

2. Sustainable Development – History and current practices

3. Sustainability as a flawed concept

4. Sustainability Re-defined


IV: Education as a value creator

1. Role of Education in Society

2. Methods of Education – Description, pros and cons

3. Current Trends in Education – Description, pros and cons

4. Enhancing EQ through Education


V: Creating Actions from Values 1. Participatory Action

2. Holocentric Solutions and Systems Thinking

3. Design Thinking

VI: Conclusion

Technology

Hypothesis&research outline