Introduction to Political Theory

equally in need, we have to choose: we could choose ten, which would leave us

with no emergency capacity and would require us to explain why we did not admit

the other 90, or we could take all 100, with the consequence that the boat will

sink. Alternatively, each of the 50 could choose to sacrifice their life, but that

altruistic act will not solve the global crisis.

The ‘harsh ethics’ of the lifeboat become harsher when population growth is

taken into account. The people in the boat are doubling their numbers every 87

years; those swimming on the outside are doubling their numbers every 35 years.

Hardin argues that it is misleading to talk about satisfying human needs, as if needs

were minimal conditions, such as basic food and health care, which once met left

a surplus to be distributed. Rather, because the satisfaction of needs has the effect

of increasing the population, there is no end to the satisfaction of needs. The only

ethical response is to refuse to satisfy the needs by restricting immigration – stopping

people getting on the lifeboat – and not giving food aid to those ‘outside the boat’.

A consequence of this harsh policy would be that countries, once solely responsible

for their own well-being, would learn to manage, albeit after a great deal of suffering.

Chapter 16 Ecologism 369

From our discussion of Leopold and Næss, and
drawing on other ecological writings, we can
summarise the key components of ecologism
as follows:

1. The belief that there is something which can
   be called ‘ecology’ or the ‘biosphere’; this is
   an interconnected whole on which all life
   depends.


2. The natural world, which includes all forms of
   life, has intrinsic value, and should not be
   used as an instrument to satisfy human
   wants; there is much debate within the
   ecological movement about the nature
   of this value, and we will discuss this later.
   However, there is an intuitive sense that
   ecologism requires being ‘in touch’ with
   nature.


3. The quality of human life will be enhanced
   once human beings recognise 1 and 2:
   ecologism is not concerned to devalue
   human beings, but rather to get us to think
   about who we really are.


4. The structure of the natural world should be
   mirrored in the social and political world; the
   interdependence – but diversity – of the

former translates into a commitment to a

more equal society, respectful of difference.

5. To achieve ecological and social justice
   requires not simply a change in the social,
   economic and political organisation of
   society, but a fundamental change in human
   motivation.


6. Ecologism is a distinct ideology, which sees
   in both liberalism (capitalism) and socialism a
   common enemy: industrialism. Industrialism
   by definition cannot be compatible with an
   ecological consciousness. For ecologists the
   earth is a physical object, with natural
   physical limits; industrialism, which is
   committed to economic growth, cannot
   respect the integrity and finitude of the earth.


7. Ecologists seek a sustainable society – that
   is, one which is in tune with nature. In
   practical terms, this requires a reduction in
   consumption.


8. Although there is a division within deep
   ecology, a strong theme in ecological
   thought is distrust of technological fixes –
   that is, a belief that advances in technology
   will overcome environmental problems.

The argument so far...