Environmental bioethics
Date
1995
Authors
Rolston, Holmes, 1932-, author
Oxford University Press, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Environmental bioethics, or environmental ethics, is the theory and practice concerning values in and duties to, or concerning, the natural world. An anthropocentric ethic holds that humans are the focus of ethics and nature is instrumental to their concerns. A naturalistic ethic is more radical, and holds that animals, plants, ecosystems, and even Earth as a whole ought to be the direct objects of moral concern, at times at least. If so, environmental bioethics differs from bioethics more generally, which has previously been largely medical, with human health and welfare its concern. A comprehensive environmental bioethics locates humans in both human and biotic communities, with values and duties at multiple levels and scales. These ethics may join, however, as all humans see themselves as Earthlings, with their home planet as a responsibility.
Description
Includes bibliographical references.
Rights Access
Subject
bioethics
environment
ecosystems
values in nature
anthropocentrism
instrumental value
intrinsic value
humans
Earthlings communities