Dylematy i paradoksy etycznego ekstensjonalizmu

Author(s): Janusz A. Majcherek / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2015

The principal postulate of environmental ethics is to include animals, or even all living entities, in the moral universe. However, questions include: Does this equally concern rats, mice, mosquitoes, bugs, parasites and other creatures which are dangerous for people’s health and life? If not, what are the criteria for selecting protected living beings and unprotected ones? Aren’t such criteria anthropocentric, and contrary to the biocentric assumptions of environmental ethics? Do the differences between the assumptions of environmental ethics and human ethics affect the particular rules of these two kinds of ethics, demanding different kinds of behaviour (towards human and towards nonhuman beings)? How should we appraise people who respect one kind of ethics, but break the other? Could we recognize those who live and act accordingly to the ethics of respect for nature, but don’t respect human rights, as ethically good? And do animals have rights in the same way as human beings? Are they the same rights, or different rights? And if they are different, should they nonetheless have ethical sources and foundations? These are some of the main dilemmas of environmental ethics which are considered in this article.

Melodies, Moods, and The Zone as a Hole

Author(s): Eldritch Priest / Language(s): English Issue: 23/2020

I traveled to Chernobyl in June 2018 with a small group of academics and artists to think about what dwelling in and passing through a zone of exclusion might entail, not in a metaphysical sense but also not not in a metaphysical sense. As I learned, thinking about The Zone (as I’ll call it) is not a straightforward affair. On the one hand The Zone is exactly what you might think it is – a radioactive territory whose crumbling ruins and growing wildlife bear witness to the failure of the soviet nuclear dream. Yet on the other it’s also not what you think it is, like a hole is not the nothing it appears to be but a something that, strictly speaking, it isn’t. Because of this ontological uncertainty The Zone is not only something to wander in but something to be wondered about. And as such, it may be better dreamed than simply thought of. Drawing on my zonal meanderings and a speculative-pragmatic form of acoustic ecology, as well as employing a liberal dose of poetic licence, I develop a fabulation that takes a stroll through a forgotten cemetery, an improvised melody played beneath a secret radar array, and a daydream had in a dilapidated post office as expressive of a thought experiment whose meaningful result is more a fictional achievement than a factual reckoning. Images and sounds from my peregrinations through The Zone figure in this work as elements that advance a story about a future people displaced by climate change who evolve the ability to lure affections from environmental spaces by casting melodies into them. In this future history we learn about the costs of noise and the nature of holes; we discover that media travel backwards in time, and we sense not what The Zone is but what mood it’s in.

Rola systemów depozytowo-zwrotnych (kaucyjnych) w organizacji recyklingu odpadów komunalnych w państwach Europy. Wykorzystanie automatów RVM (butelkomatów)

Author(s): Jacek Rudewicz / Language(s): Polish Issue: 2/2020

Deposit Refund/Return Systems (DRS) are currently operating successfully in several European countries, similar organisational solutions are found in the United States, Australia and other countries. Such systems use a mechanism of collecting a deposit for the purchase of certain goods and returning the deposit if the customer gives the packaging back to the seller or a special collection point. Such systems also increase the circulation of materials and raw materials in recycling processes and thus reduce the level of waste disposal. RVM machines (Reverse Vending Machines), popularly known in Poland as "bottling machines”, are a popular element improving the operation of such organisational systems. Deposit and return systems are a common name for the way of organising and increasing the degree of recycling of waste, especially packaging waste from households. However, they differ in terms of organisational and regulatory solutions in individual countries. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to compare the solutions applied in the European countries in the area of returnable deposit systems, to make their typology, to present the benefits and achievements of individual countries and the difficulties in implementing such a way of dealing with waste. The article uses reports and statistical data, as well as the results of research conducted by consulting companies and checking operators of return depository systems.

Is Shame Morally Relevant to Ecological Ethics?

Author(s): Andrea Klimková / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2023

In recent years, we have seen a resurgence of the topic of shame in philosophy and moral philosophy. The paper analyses shame as a moral emotion in contemporary moral-philosophical and environmental discourse. Questions are articulated, in which different contexts shame has already been studied and which of them appear to be crucial for ethics and applied ethics? In the article, the author addresses the concept of environmental shame by Sarah E. Fredericks (2021) and considers the questions: is/can shame be ethically relevant for the cultivation of our attitudes in relation to the environment? Is Shame morally relevant to Ecological Ethics? Can the experience of shame affect our moral judgement, decision-making and action regarding the man-nature relationship? Despite the differences in the understanding of shame as a self-conscious emotion or as a social emotion, in the paper the author argues that environmental shame can have an important preventive function as well as a transformative power for the cultivation of our moral beliefs and attitudes.

LES VALEURS ÉCOLOGIQUES DANS LES DISCOURS PORTANT SUR L’ENVIRONNEMENT

Author(s): Elżbieta Pachocińska / Language(s): French Issue: 22/2022

The article focuses on the analysis of the axiological dimension of ecology-related vocabulary. The following concepts were used to analyze the diversified corpus: lexical-discursive profile, discursive designation and interdiscursive memory. The analyzes show that the concept of the so-called ecological responsibility is the main reference in creating two main axes: good, fair, beneficial vs bad, unfair, unfavorable for humans and the environment / the planet. It has also been observed that valuation begins at the level of definition of a lexical item in linguistic and thematic dictionaries.

Use of virtual reality-based therapy in the field of chronic stroke rehabilitation to improve hand function: asystematic review

Author(s): Charlotte Berard,Manon Cavalier,Nathalie Godart / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2022

ment. From this perspective, virtual reality (VR) is a promising rehabilitation technology that reproduces real-life scenarios through computer-generated environments. VR can be a comple- mentary strategy to conventional rehabilitation approaches by potentially improving hand motor function and activities of daily living (ADLs). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of VR- -based therapy in improving hand function for people suffering from chronic stroke. For this sys- tematic review, we searched PubMed, Cochrane, Physiotherapy Evidence Database(PEDro) and registers on International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) and ClinicalTrials.gov including all eligible articles. In the end, 8 articles were included. Three reviewers independently searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) of VR intervention in patients with chronic stroke, including only studies where hand function rehabilitation was specifically targeted. In conclusion, VR used in rehabilitation for patients with chronic stroke improves several outcomes of hand function and may be considered as an addition to rehabilitation in routine use. Seven out of eight included studies had a high-quality score on PEDro scale. Future studies should focus on how the ad- vantages of VR therapy for hand function can be sustained over a longer period.

Dźwignie wyobraźni epoki antropocenu: gaizm

Author(s): Dobrosława Wężowicz‑Ziółkowska / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2023

The Gaia hypothesis, formulated in the 1970s and considered heresy by biologists at the time, is proving to have tremendous proliferative capacity. Because of growing awareness of the impact human beings have on the well‑being of our planet, Lovelock’s concept has returned in hundreds of Anthropocene terra- and geocentric narratives. The article outlines the evolution of this idea from its emergence to the present day, pointing out its current iterations (Gaia 2.0, ecosexuality). It also proves that, as one of the most important theories organizing the modern imagination, this hypothesis has become the basis of a certain variety of Anthropocene language, referred to here as Gaism. The article presents the Gaian thought from the most prominent representatives of posthumanism, Bruno Latour and John Gray. It also analyzes and interprets the assumptions of a provocative queer activist movement, developed from the ideas of ecosexuality and united around the slogan “The Earth is our lover.”

Antropogeniczny wpływ na przyrodę w koncepcji Nikołaja Fiodorowa. Nieśmiertelny człowiek versus śmiertelna przyroda?

Author(s): Justyna Tymieniecka‑Suchanek / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2023

The article is a preliminary identification of the Anthropocene “language” in which Nikolai Fedorov’s work, The Philosophy of the Common Cause, speaks to amodern audience. Fedorov predicted a planetary crisis and thus entered the current debate on the Anthropocene. The author refers to the deliberations of Artiom Kluyev, Elena Sukhanova, and Gleb Bakunov, Russian philosophers, who correctly identify solutions to the problems of the Anthropocene in Fedorov’s concepts; however, their argument falls short in their discussions of Fedorov’s ideas of overcoming death and resurrecting the dead. While such a solution would lead to overpopulation of the Earth, they propose that the colonization of space would provide a panacea for a better future.

Międzyskalowe języki antropocenu

Author(s): Monika Rogowska‑Stangret / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2023

Stemming from the natural sciences, the concept of Anthropocene opened a variety of discussions in the humanities, provoking “us” to think otherwise. One of the challenges of the Anthropocene is the question of scale. Some question the obviousness of scale as the categories such as micro and macro, local and global/planetary no longer correspond with reality. The geologic time and time of a zoe coincide in many unobvious and unfelt ways. Cross-scale thinking and language is a way to think with the Anthropocene to grasp its planetary and global nature as well as the diverse situated and embodied human-non-human life forms.

Egy hagyományos iparág átalakulásának humán dimenziói: a magyar könnyűipar esete

Author(s): Ernő Molnár,Márk Mészáros,Csongor Nagy / Language(s): Hungarian Issue: 2/2023

The Hungarian textile, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) industry integrated into international production networks in a semi-peripheral position is shrinking. However, its upgrading processes and generational change result in a huge labour shortage constituting a great challenge because of the moderate interest in TCLF professions and the decline of institutions serving the (re)production of industry-specific knowledge and skills. In our article, we present the structural and spatial characteristics of the sector determining its human resource needs as well as – based on our recent field research – the human strategies of TCLF firms constrained by the local conditions. In the discussion, we interpret our results in the framework of the GPN concept. According to our main conclusion, a long-run (successful) participation in GPNs and the appropriate human resource supply are conditions for each other.

Eko-filozofia Henryka Skolimowskiego w świetle założeń ekologii integralnej

Author(s): Mikołaj Niedek / Language(s): Polish Issue: 30/2020

The aim of the article is to present the main ideas and views of Henryk Skolimowski, the founder of eco-philosophy. This is done in comparison with the assumptions and views on ecological issues formulated by Pope Francis in the Encyclical Laudato Si' published in 2015. The article shows the convergence and similarity of positions expressed by H. Skolimowski ant the Pope Francis on many issues related to the relationship between man and the environment. Their common feature is the criticism of the mechanistic paradigm that led to the contemporary ecological crisis, as well as the criticism of radical ecology in its biocentric version, equating the status of man with other living creatures. An important element of both concepts is the vision of an environmentally friendly lifestyle and a the project of a new ecological culture characterized by care and responsibility for nature, the world and its future.

Ekologia człowieka – osoby

Author(s): Marian Kryk / Language(s): Polish Issue: 30/2020

This article attempts to extract the primary importance of the spiritual dimension of man in the clash with the image proposed by the contemporary human ecology. In its light, the postulates of contemporary ecology regarding the proper coexistence of individual species, against the background of the human image it presents, must remain in the dimension of pious wishes. Unaware of himself, coming in contact with the environment through its destruction, an individual determined in his actions is a threat to both the environment and, consequently, to himself. Only a full perspective that takes into account the spiritual dimension, shows us the way out. This perspective, already present in classical culture and developed by a thinker like Fr. Jacek Woroniecki, gives a creative solution to the problem posed. The condition for the fulfillment of a person, which takes place in high culture, is by no means destroying the natural world. On the contrary, only a person in the process of achieving his optimum-personality, aware of himself, aware of his goals and tasks facing him, is able to rule and be responsible for himself, and thus build a rational relationship to nature as a whole. This, in turn, makes man properly penetrate and master the potential of the world, making it subject to himself as a person. Submitting the world of matter to the spiritual factor not only does not degrade it, but, on the contrary, organizes and perfects it, raising it to a higher dimension of being.

Społeczna konstrukcja narracji o ryzyku ekologicznym. Analiza socjologiczna wybranych problemów

Author(s): Alina Betlej / Language(s): Polish Issue: 30/2020

The article describes the process of social construction of narration about ecological risk. The author conducts a sociological analysis of selected problems of sustainable development. The context of the discussion is the development of new technologies, transformations of the forms of organization of social activity, changes in the status of experts and scientific knowledge and institutionalization of new social movements. The development of new technologies influences the transformation of the environment, becoming in many respects different from the known forms of socialisation, technicisation and denaturalisation. The relations between technical and social development are subjects of interdisciplinary research. Their context is the transformation of the approach to ecological problems and the emerging axiology of sustainability. The author analyses the category of social and ecological risk in the context of the activities of new social movements. These issues fall within the conceptual framework of sustainable development.

School Gardens in Poland – Rediscovered Places

Author(s): Joanna Ziemkowska / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2023

School gardens have been present in the educational space of the Polish school for many years. In recent decades, however, they have ceased to be appreciated. Efforts have been made to modernize laboratories, they have been equipped with measuring instruments, digital devices and multimedia equipment. A natural laboratory, which a garden in fact is, has become a symbol of the past. It remained only in few schools, performing rather an aesthetic function, less often didactic or educational one. The present article depicts a historical outline, shows earlier and currently noticed possibilities of using school gardens in Poland. An analysis of previous studies on gardens is presented as well. A contemporary design of a school garden was proposed to prepare students of pedagogical faculties for activities in the garden with children. School gardens may contribute to the prevention of “nature deficit” (Louv 2014, 54), they may give a sense of closeness to nature also in urban realities1. M. Vogt-Kostecka notes that the fear of dirt, wind and ticks limits children’s free play in a meadow and in a forest. Limited access to nature is particularly visible among urban children (Vogt-Kostecka 2017, 11).Gradually, the view of school gardens has been changing and their therapeutic potential (hortitherapy) is noticed.

The Significance of Natural Environment in Reducing Long-Term Consequences of COVID-19. Tasks and Threats of Forest Pedagogy as Environmental Education

Author(s): Marlena Baranowska,Anna Koprowicz,Martyna Korzeniewicz,Robert Korzeniewicz / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2023

During COVID 19 pandemic- related restrictions it was observed that people were more willing to spend time in nature and the thus number of forest visitors doubled. It has been proven that communing with nature reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, alleviates stress, improves concentration and vitality. It also strengthens the immunological response of the body and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and obesity. Being in nature encourages people to show prosocial behaviour, strengthens social bonds, and even reduces the level of violence. There is a connection between lowering blood serum levels of cortisol, dopamine and norepinephrine and spending a significant amount of time in nature. Walking in the forest can be effective in mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to summarize the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, while indicating the therapeutic properties of the forest that can prevent or mitigate the effects of the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In addition, it was indicated what are the possibilities and tasks of forest pedagogy in encouraging people to take advantage of the benefits of forest recreation.

Młodzież apeluje o ochronę klimatu

Author(s): Maciej Zasada,Teresa Astramowicz-Leyk / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2022

ZELENA ENERGETSKA TRANZICIJA: PRAVIČNOST I IZAZOVI 2022.

Author(s): Bojana Mišić / Language(s): Serbian Issue: 1/2022

Energy has always been one of the main drivers of economic development in all countries. Energy needs are continuously rising, as are the needs and demands for environmentally sustainable solutions. The green energy transition is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century, given that it should be implemented in a way that respects the basic principles of sustainable development. It is not easy to reconcile the demands of economic development, environmental protection and the achievement of intergenerational and intragenerational justice. Adding to this the current global events that have a strong impact on even the most stable economies in Europe and worldwide, it becomes clear that the energy transition will have to adapt to new circumstances as well.

A RADIOACTIVE WASTE REPOSITORY IN THE BORDER AREA BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA AND BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: HUMAN SECURITY PERSPECTIVE

Author(s): Velibor Lalić,Predrag Ćeranić,Duško Baškalo / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2023

The Republic of Croatia has announced a plan to build a radioactive waste repository in Mount Trgovska Gora located along the border area with Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), which has upset residents living in the border municipalities in BiH. This paper seeks to examine local residents’ opinion regarding the construction of a radioactive waste repository. Our study was conducted in Novi Grad, a place located in the immediate vicinity of Trgovska Gora. The aim of the study was to examine local residents’ perceptions and the implications of the planned project for human security. This study is based on a qualitative research approach using the focus group interview as a technique. Eleven respondents participated in the focus group interview. The group consisted of representatives of local communities, residents, and representatives of non-governmental organizations. Our findings indicate that local residents strongly disagree with the announced project and numerous negative implications for human security.

Aesthetic Deep Time Experiences of Temporal Sublime Nature

Author(s): Stephanie Schuster / Language(s): English Issue: 2-3/2023

Deep time, encompassing the expansive temporal scale of Earth’s and the universe’s his- tory, bears the potential of alienation due to its immensity. However, this estrangement can be mitigated through aesthetic appreciation of the temporal sublime in nature, as found in geological landscapes, ancient forests, and the starry sky. This paper aims to elucidate aesthetic deep time experiences and their significance. It posits that aesthetic resonance with the awe-inspiring atmosphere of ancient and enduring natural environ- ments fosters an elevating yet humble feeling of belonging and being at home in the vast temporal continuum of the natural world. Central to such aesthetic experiences is a felt integration of world time and life time.

CONSERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGICAL HABITS IN ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN THE PERUVIAN JUNGLE

Author(s): Oscar Gustavo Guadalupe-Zevallos,Paola Corina Julca Garcia,Zoraida Judith Huaman Gutierrez,Luis Reynaldo Exebio Moya,Carlos Augusto Luy-Montejo,Fernando Escobedo / Language(s): English Issue: 51/2024

Environmental education has emerged as a strategy to provide solutions to the climate crisis affecting the world, in order to stimulate the development of environmental awareness and promote ecological habits and environmental conservation. In this context, a research was carried out with the objective of determining the influence of environmental conservation and ecological habits on environmental awareness in a sample of 92 high school students of the Alipio Ponce Educational Institution in the Tambopata region - Madre de Dios. The study adopted a basic, non-experimental, cross-sectional and causal correlational design. Three questionnaires were applied to assess the variables environmental conservation, ecological habits and environmental awareness. For each, three dimensions were assessed. The results showed that the variables ecological habits and environmental conservation influence the development of environmental awareness. It is concluded that students are motivated and willing to address environmental issues, but with regular knowledge, which may havea negative impact on the development of pro-environmental attitudes. It is recommended to implement pedagogical strategies that articulate theory with practice reflected in daily situations.