Attempts to understand and respond to the threat of anthropogenic climate change,the defining challenge of our era,increasingly reveal the inadequacy of the dominant conceptual systems of thought.Recognizing the need ...Attempts to understand and respond to the threat of anthropogenic climate change,the defining challenge of our era,increasingly reveal the inadequacy of the dominant conceptual systems of thought.Recognizing the need for a fundamental change in the dominant models of industrial development,the concept of sustainability has quickly become the idea around which contemporary environmentalism is centered.This essay argues that while the concept of sustainability is important,it ultimately does not address the root of the ecological crisis.With Aldo Leopold(1887-1948),I argue that it is an"evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity"that we develop what he calls a"land ethic."If we are truly to address the root causes of the ecological crisis,humanity must stop conceiving of proper land use merely in terms of economic expedience and recognize that we are ultimately a member and citizen of the wider"biotic community."In the end,green development is development which is compatible with the integrity,stability,and beauty of the nature.展开更多
This reflection on the moral consideration of nature begins with two classic arguments of environmental ethics which,while alerting to the growing human pressure on the environment,show the need to rethink the relatio...This reflection on the moral consideration of nature begins with two classic arguments of environmental ethics which,while alerting to the growing human pressure on the environment,show the need to rethink the relation of humans and natural world.In my view,Aldo Leopold’s land ethic,seconded by John Baird Callicott and Holmes Rolston III,is the approach in environmental ethics which not only postulates a broader comprehension of the universe of moral concern,but also lays the ground for a new ethical paradigm wherein the human,as a responsible member of the biotic community,has the duty to preserve the integrity,the balance and the beauty of the latter.展开更多
文摘Attempts to understand and respond to the threat of anthropogenic climate change,the defining challenge of our era,increasingly reveal the inadequacy of the dominant conceptual systems of thought.Recognizing the need for a fundamental change in the dominant models of industrial development,the concept of sustainability has quickly become the idea around which contemporary environmentalism is centered.This essay argues that while the concept of sustainability is important,it ultimately does not address the root of the ecological crisis.With Aldo Leopold(1887-1948),I argue that it is an"evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity"that we develop what he calls a"land ethic."If we are truly to address the root causes of the ecological crisis,humanity must stop conceiving of proper land use merely in terms of economic expedience and recognize that we are ultimately a member and citizen of the wider"biotic community."In the end,green development is development which is compatible with the integrity,stability,and beauty of the nature.
文摘This reflection on the moral consideration of nature begins with two classic arguments of environmental ethics which,while alerting to the growing human pressure on the environment,show the need to rethink the relation of humans and natural world.In my view,Aldo Leopold’s land ethic,seconded by John Baird Callicott and Holmes Rolston III,is the approach in environmental ethics which not only postulates a broader comprehension of the universe of moral concern,but also lays the ground for a new ethical paradigm wherein the human,as a responsible member of the biotic community,has the duty to preserve the integrity,the balance and the beauty of the latter.
