Ethics of respect for nature

Journal Article · · Environ. Ethics; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.5840/enviroethics19813321· OSTI ID:6260585

Taylor, P W

The foundational structure for a life-centered theory of environmental ethics consists of three interrelated components. First is the adopting of a certain ultimate moral attitude toward nature, which the author calls respect for nature. Second is a belief system that constitutes a way of conceiving of the natural world and of our place in it. This belief system underlies and supports the attitude in a way that makes it an appropriate attitude to take toward the Earth's natural ecosystems and their life communities. Third is a system of moral rules and standards for guiding our treatment of those ecosystems and life communities, a set of normative principles which give concrete embodiment or expression to the attitude of respect for nature. The theory set forth and defended here is structurally symmetrical with a theory of human ethics based on the principle of respect for persons and the legal entitlement to be protected. We can begin by placing limits on human population and technology.

• Research Organization: City Univ. of New York, Brooklyn
• OSTI ID: 6260585
• Journal Information: Environ. Ethics; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Ethics; (United States) Vol. 3:3; ISSN ENETD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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