A Short Course in Environmental Ethics

Lesson Seven
The Role of Science in Environmental Ethics
By Keith Douglass Warner OFM, with David DeCosse

Science is a powerful way of knowing that has transformed the relationship between
human society and the natural world. Drawn from the Latin word for knowledge, in the
broadest sense, science means a systematic way of gathering information and drawing
conclusions. In a more restricted sense, science refers to information gathered using the
scientific method, a systematic approach to gathering empirical (observable and
measurable) data and determining facts about nature or society. A scientific approach to
studying the natural or social world asks clear, specific questions, makes predictions
(proposes hypotheses), tests the accuracy of those predictions, and draws conclusions
based on measurable evidence. The natural sciences use the scientific method to
investigate the natural world, and social scientists use it to research social issues, in
other words, in human society. When conducting experiments with natural phenomena,
scientists using this method can determine cause and effect relationships. The scientific
method attempts to determine knowledge by eliminating, so far as possible, the potential
for our own interests and desires to influence the results. This has increased the
sophistication of our understanding of how the plants, animals, nutrients and energy are
related in the environment.
Astonishing benefits, but not without problems
Science, technology and engineering have brought terrific benefits to society, and have
made astounding wealth and material comfort possible. Yet upon closer analysis, many
people have observed that these forces have had ambivalent effects. Tremendous benefits
made possible by scientists and the scientific method have not been without negative
impacts on the Earth, and in some cases, for the poor. The automobile has brought us
convenience in transport, yet we have paved over much fertile farmland to make roads.
Fossil fuels, such as oil and gas, have made possible all manner of industry and devices,
yet the carbon dioxide emissions from their burning play a significant role in disrupting
our atmosphere and climate. Nuclear technologies can promote health, for example,
through radiation treatments for cancer. Yet these same when used for war could bring
about indescribably horrific suffering. Nuclear energy produces no greenhouse gasses,
which is good, but its waste products are radioactive (acutely dangerous) for 10,000 years
or more.

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