engleski

Ethical approaches in human relation toward environment

Even when ethical principles govern human relation towards the natural environment, they are mostly grounded in anthropocentrism. In other words, value attributed to nature, its biotic and abiotic components, is viewed solely through its significance for the well-being of and benefit for humans. Consequently, these same anthropocentric principles govern the decisions regarding the use of environmental resources as well as environmental protection and preservation. In contrast, ecocentrism as an ethical approach argues for the intrinsic value of nature, and responsibility of humans toward their natural environment regardless of its immediate value for themselves. We will examine and compare these philosophical views by looking at the fundamental premises of their different theoretical approaches (utilitarianism, deontology…). A connection will be made between anthropocentric and ecocentric relation to human life and that of other non-human living beings. We will also look at the ways in which bio and ecocentric arguments developed, especially during the second half of the 20th century, with an increased awareness of the ecological crisis. Particular attention will be given to the development of (global) bioethics and environmental ethics, as ways of expanding our moral consideration away from just human life. Finally, we will discuss the remittance ethical implications of adhering to these philosophical views for humans themselves.

anthropocentrism; ecocentrism; land ethics; environmental ethics; bioethics

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