Environmental Ethics & Cultural Roles MCQs

1. Environmental ethics emphasizes:

a) Human dominance over nature b) Moral responsibility toward nature c) Economic growth at all costs d) Technological fixes

Correct Answer: b) Moral responsibility toward nature

Explanation:
Environmental ethics is a branch of philosophy that studies the moral relationship between humans and the natural environment. It argues that humans have moral obligations to protect ecosystems, species, and natural resources beyond just their utilitarian value to humanity.

2. The "Deep Ecology" philosophy advocates:

a) Anthropocentrism b) Biocentric equality c) Industrial expansion d) Urbanization

Correct Answer: b) Biocentric equality

Explanation:
Deep ecology, developed by Arne Naess, rejects human-centered (anthropocentric) views and argues for the intrinsic value of all living beings. Its 8 principles include: (1) All life has inherent worth, (2) Diversity enriches life, and (3) Humans must reduce interference with non-human life.

3. Which religion promotes "Ahimsa" (non-violence) toward all life forms?

a) Hinduism b) Buddhism c) Jainism d) All of the above

Correct Answer: d) All of the above

Explanation:
Ahimsa (non-violence) is central to Dharmic religions: (1) Jainism practices strict vegetarianism and even avoids root vegetables, (2) Buddhism prohibits killing of animals, and (3) Hinduism's Vedas promote compassion for all creatures. Gandhi later popularized Ahimsa in India's freedom struggle.

4. Sacred groves in India are examples of:

a) Government-protected areas b) Community-led conservation c) Industrial reserves d) Urban parks

Correct Answer: b) Community-led conservation

Explanation:
India has over 100,000 sacred groves protected by local communities based on religious beliefs. Examples: Khasi groves (Meghalaya), Kovilkadu (Tamil Nadu), and Devrais (Maharashtra). These biodiversity hotspots often preserve rare species and traditional ecological knowledge.

5. Chipko Movement reflects the ethic of:

a) Utilitarianism b) Eco-feminism c) Capitalism d) Industrialism

Correct Answer: b) Eco-feminism

Explanation:
Chipko's women-led protests (70% participants were women) demonstrated eco-feminist principles linking environmental degradation and women's oppression. Villagers like Gaura Devi connected forest protection with livelihood security, showing how women's traditional ecological knowledge sustains communities.

6. "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" translates to:

a) "Unity in diversity" b) "The world is one family" c) "Growth is life" d) "Nature is sacred"

Correct Answer: b) "The world is one family"

Explanation:
From the Maha Upanishad (ancient Hindu text), this phrase embodies India's environmental ethos of universal kinship. It informs modern concepts like "One Health" and global environmental citizenship. India highlighted this philosophy at COP26 to advocate collective climate action.

7. Which Indian leader said, "Earth provides enough for every need but not greed"?

a) Jawaharlal Nehru b) Mahatma Gandhi c) Indira Gandhi d) Rajiv Gandhi

Correct Answer: b) Mahatma Gandhi

Explanation:
Gandhi's philosophy of "trusteeship" emphasized sustainable consumption. His quote highlights that environmental crises stem from overconsumption, not lack of resources. This idea now underpins UN Sustainable Development Goals and circular economy models.

8. The "Panch Tatva" philosophy includes:

a) Air, Water, Fire, Earth, Sky b) Forests, Animals, Humans, Rivers, Mountains c) Both a & b d) None

Correct Answer: a) Air, Water, Fire, Earth, Sky

Explanation:
The Panch Tatva (five elements) concept in Hindu philosophy views the universe as composed of: Prithvi (Earth), Jal (Water), Agni (Fire), Vayu (Air), and Akash (Sky/Ether). Ayurveda and yoga traditions use this framework for ecological balance and human health.

9. "Sacred Cow" concept in Hinduism supports:

a) Beef consumption b) Animal conservation c) Industrial farming d) Deforestation

Correct Answer: b) Animal conservation

Explanation:
The cow's sacred status in Hinduism (seen as Kamadhenu - wish-fulfilling divine creature) led to protection of cattle and by extension, other animals. This religious taboo against beef created India's large population of "stray" cattle that coexist with humans.

10. The "Eco-Dharma" concept integrates:

a) Religion and capitalism b) Spirituality and environmentalism c) Urbanization and ethics d) None

Correct Answer: b) Spirituality and environmentalism

Explanation:
Eco-Dharma blends Buddhist/Hindu concepts of interdependence (pratityasamutpada) with ecological activism. It teaches that: (1) All beings are interconnected, (2) Simple living reduces ecological impact, and (3) Meditation fosters environmental awareness. Thich Nhat Hanh popularized this approach.

Environmental Ethics & Cultural Roles MCQs

1. Environmental Ethics & Cultural Roles

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