Ethics in the Organic Movement - Re-Thinking Organic Food and Farming in a Changing World - page 20

A third concept that is described with the term “weak” or moderate deontology
combines both perspectives (Hunt and Vasquez-Parraga 1993 , pp. 80, 81, 87; cf.
Harel and Sharon 2008 ). The right acting depends not only but also on their
consequences. 18 This duty includes how to act now and with attention to the
long-term effects of decisions. This is, for example, an important perspective in
organic breeding (Alrøe et al. 2001 , p. 12; Lammerts Van Bueren and Struik 2005 ,
p. 484). The Principles claim both a responsibility to act in an ethical way now and
with respect to the consequences for future generations. The IFOAM Principle of
Care embodies this position: “Organic agriculture is managed in a precautionary
and responsible manner to protect the health and well-being of current and future
generations and the environment” (IFOAM 2012 ). In other words: in organic, we
must address both current and future needs.

2.2.2.4 Organic as Virtue

This type of normative ethics brings in a perspective that puts the actor in the center
(Borchers 2001 ). While deontological ethics focuses on the kind of activity and
instrumental values (first order moral), virtue ethics is about the inner disposition
and attitude of a person or non-instrumental values (second order moral) (cf. Alrøe
and Kristensen 2003 ; Carruthers 2009 , p. 299).
Virtue ethics specifically defines a moral life in the context of social relationships,
community, traditions, socially established co-operative human activities, a strong
relation in places and on the land and human flourishing (Carruthers 2009 , p. 299).
This has been illustrated by many, including: Aldo Leopold's land ethics (Hull
2005 ; Minteer 2006 ;Frasz 2008 ; Shaw 2008 ); Rachel Carson's critique on the
environmental destruction; Henry David Thoreau's lifestyle (Sandler 2007 ; Cafaro
2008 ); and, Arne Naess's deep ecology (Hursthouse 2007 ). Virtue ethics have
several commonalities with the IFOAM Principles of Fairness and Care. The holistic
ethic of the Principles is sensitive to the ecological and human needs beyond a purely
economic perspective.

2.2.2.5 Thoughts on Re-conceptualizing Organic Ethics

The ethical perspective of IFOAM Principles can be described with an ecocen-
tric/holistic ethic, the concept of conviviality and in the tradition of normative ethics
as a moderate type of deontology, as well as with virtue ethics. It embodies a
culture of life similar to what Wendell Berry and others have referred to as agrarian
stewardship that is diametrically opposed to industrial approaches, or thinking about

18 The more deontological perspective is also evident in an organic economy that is in contrast to
a consequentialist approach, integrating values such as autonomy, basic liberties, truth-telling, and