BL Philosophical Approach to Sustainability in Gibson's Paper

Summary

This paper looks at the options that remain with the inherent problems faced by the world today in terms of environmental changes and predicaments faced therein. The fundamental subject is the sustainability of the limited natural resources that humanity can access from nature contrasted with the usage, increase in populations and effects of factors such as pollution among others. In ‘Rethinking the Discourse', philosophy comes to provide solutions by offering a realistic and constructionist approach, the Tipple Bottom Line (3BL).

It is the 3BL that gives rise to other discourses that are all focused on giving an insight on sustainability.

Critical Examination of the Ideas

Sustainability is a significant element in the existence of human beings because of the high rate that resources are dwindling which poses a great danger for future generations. The 3BL look at the sustainability factor from a realistic point through which sustainability can be achieved. The discourse disapproves of the 'short-term'economic benefits achieved from degradation as the cause of environmental as well as social damage.

Get quality help now

Writer Lyla

Verified writer

Proficient in: Economy

5 (876)

“ Have been using her for a while and please believe when I tell you, she never fail. Thanks Writer Lyla you are indeed awesome ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

However, from a personal perspective, these realities are half realities because they do not acknowledge that for the world to exist, it requires massive resources. Given the current population growth, it is only realistic to accept that forests have to be cleared, factories have to be built as well as the construction of dams and roads among others have to continue (Zhang et al., 2015). The fungible and intangible According to Gibson (2012), the fungible refers to exchangeable or substitutable tangible assets that have a value that is agreeable per item.

The valuation is based on socially made agreements that are above-set conventions.

There are also the intangibles which are assets that have no physical existence but also considered as assets that can be owned as well as controlled. This forms the basis of the 3BL in identifying goods and services as having a value that facilitates in their exchange. While man is created to desire ownership to assets, there are certain ‘assets' that cannot be quantified in monetary value. The sacred The dissertation also explores the sacred value of resources that do not have any fungible value because they are priceless.

Sacred value touches on people's most intimate beliefs that can only be exercised or expressed in specific areas. While some hold sacred beliefs attaching them to sacred shrines or trees, there are others who believe that certain animals have a spiritual attachment to their beliefs. It follows that the shrines or animals associated with beliefs must be conserved in certain habitats that are now threatened.

Three New Things That Learned From the Reading

The 3BL is not a relatively new phenomenon though its explanation is related to the common and daily life. The connection of the 3BL to sustainability also analyzes the cost that humanity has to pay for turning everything to monetary value. As an example, the intangible value of air we breathe it taken for granted but when depleted, it will be an irreversible to have it anymore. Therefore, the 3BL is outlined as a measurement of monetary value but the disparity in wealth and power distribution makes it unrealistic in a way.

There is a need to have alternative approaches to sustainability because the 3BL does not offer a solution to sustainability. However, this does not nullify its relationship to sustainability and the role it plays in bringing humanity to accountability on issues sustainability. As a first step, there is a need for informed discussions that are aimed at bringing all the stakeholders because everyone has a role in upholding sustainability. As Sala, Ciuffo and Nijkamp (2015) state, the importance of stakeholders in suitability is illustrated by the UNESCO's involvement of stakeholders in management and preservation of world heritage sites.

The 3BL, in this case, comes out only after the environment has been conserved. It follows therefore that sustainability can be used as a source of value addition but should have preference over monetary gain to humans. Philosophy is seen to play a significant role in bringing rationality in issues of sustainability because the argument helps in laying bare the reality. In this case, philosophy is seen to explicitly bring out issues that are of real value to the existence of humankind. Whereas other philosophers take great effort in bringing out principles, sustainability is an issue real to everyone and poses a challenge to all stakeholders.

Important Sentences from a Personal Perspective

“The Earth has limited resources that will drastically decline unless we consume less and replenish more, perhaps by using alternative technologies or recycling.” This statement provides the start reality that faces humanity because the needs are quickly surpassing the resources available. It is a reality that the existing trends are endangering the aptitude of future generations to be self-sustaining in terms of resources.

“The Triple Bottom Line approach advocates tackling sustainability through a consideration of the economic, environmental and social impact of business operations.” The 3BL ideology is significant because it sets the foundation for the quantification of all matters on sustainability. The relationship between the 3BL is seen in every conservation effort which brings out sustainability as the overriding factor for monetary gain.

“Value-based discussions would be informed by more complex scientific information, stakeholder input, and ethical attitudes.” This statement brings out the need to face the current reality and the need to have a rational and informed approach to the issue of sustainability. The philosopher brings out the need for inclusion of all stakeholders in this discussion in order to create and uphold sustainability Gibson (2012).