Ethics and decision making Revd Margot R Hodson Chaplain, Jesus College, Oxford

The process of decision-making Outlining Proposals for the future management of the Severn (Barrage proposal) Analysing all the different factors that are relevant to the Barrage etc. Gathering and interpreting data. Ethical stage: selecting and applying an ethical approach Making practical recommendations for a response

From world view to actions - the need for a model Understanding your underlying assumptions upon which you make decisionsUnderstanding your underlying assumptions upon which you make decisions Appreciating how these work in different cultures, religions and ethical systemsAppreciating how these work in different cultures, religions and ethical systems Making informed decisionsMaking informed decisions

Ethical views of ultimate value Anthropocentric Decisions taken for the benefit of humans Biocentric Decisions taken for the benefit of each individual organism Ecocentric Decisions taken for the benefit of the whole ecosystem Christian Stewardship Decisions taken through trying to balance human concerns with that of the whole ecosystem – for the Glory of God (not benefit)

Two Types of Ethic Consequential ethics What results in the greatest good? Deontological ethics What is inherently true? Duty based ethics Right action regardless of results

Ethical model u Values and virtues Laws and precepts World View: Core Truth Real situations and decisions After Maddox, 2006

Christocentric environmental ethics Industrialisation Jesus. Colossians 1:15-17 God PeopleCosmos Intrinsic value of nature - made for his glory Humans bearing God’s image Humans responsible to ‘till and keep’ creation God’s redemptive love for his whole creation Preaching the Kingdom: a holistic approach Measures to protect and sustain nature Meeting human need, and challenging injustice Measures to balance needs for the good of all Climate change Population Biodiversity loss Industrialisation Globalisation Poverty Soil Erosion Secularism/ unbelief

Ethical model u Values and virtues Laws and precepts World View: Core Truth Real situations and decisions After Maddox, 2006 Severn Barrage Proposal Smaller scale proposals Barrage with marinas

Workshop task 1.Decide on a wording for your core truth 2.Brainstorm the situations that need considering and outline decisions to be taken (outer circle) 3.Brainstorm the values that your core truth generates that may be of relevance to the decisions 4.Try to work out some precepts that will direct your decision making 5.Does your model now show a definite way forward? If not what are the possible recommendations from this ethical standpoint and what are the costs/benefits of each?

Reflection Environmental Decision making: Does theology help?

For Christians Importance of understanding our world view and biblical values Using these to inform our decisions Accepting that many complex situations are not easy to resolve.

The Christian contribution to environmental decision making Stewardship ethic gives a synthesis between anthropocentric and ecocentric appraoches Christians comfortable with the world of values – strength in ethics Christians (hopefully) willing to make sacrifices and willing to put God and his world before themselves.

Meditation The Greatest Commandment Mark 12:28-34 He answered: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbour as yourself.’ ”

Who is our neighbour in 2007?

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7