The environmental movement in the United States seeks to protect forests and other pristine lands. To most Americans, respecting natural lands and animals probably is consistent with their ethical system. In some other countries, laws protecting the lands do not exist. Farmers and ranchers routinely "slash and burn" in order to farm or raise livestock, and loggers harvest trees indiscriminately. There is no ethical dilemma, since their society accepts these practices as normal and necessary. In America, state, federal, and local governments have enacted laws to protect forests from destruction. Through these laws, the overall community is protected, even though individuals may be negatively affected. By meeting the needs of the overall community, these laws exhibit:
A)principle of forfeiture.
B)principle of the golden mean.
C)hypothetical imperative.
D)utilitarianism.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The laws enacted to protect forests in America, which aim to meet the needs of the overall community even at the expense of individual interests, exemplify utilitarianism. This principle is about achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people, which aligns with the intent of these environmental laws.

The Environmental Movement in the United States Seeks to Protect