1.1.1—Perspectives and personal values
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Objective
- 1.1.1
- Level
- SL
A Perspective Explains a Choice
A perspective is the way someone makes sense of an environmental situation; assumptions, values and beliefs shape what they notice, prefer and choose.
The same evidence can support different decisions because people weigh outcomes differently. The explanation is strongest when you name the value or belief that links the situation to the choice; disagreement alone does not show that someone lacks evidence.
A council presents the same noise and emissions data for a wind farm. Maya supports it because reducing fossil-fuel use is her priority; Arun objects because protecting a quiet landscape is his priority. The evidence is shared, but the values change the decision.
The perspective is being shaped by a place-based value; that explains the position but does not, by itself, prove the project is harmful.
Do not treat ‘perspective’ as an unreasoned opinion. It is an interpretation with underlying assumptions, values and beliefs; those influences explain a choice, while evidence is still needed to test the choice.