In defense of ecosystems
Date
1988
Authors
Rolston, Holmes, 1932-, author
New York Botanical Garden, publisher
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Abstract
Ethical concern has focused on the welfare of individuals--persons, animals, plants--but an environmental ethic is not complete without concern for the biotic community. This shift of focus can be defended with prudential reasons. At depth, however, the defense of ecosystems involves more moral courage. Human cultures emerged from Earth's ecosystems, remain tethered to them, and ought to respect creative evolutionary ecosystems, the systems of life.
Description
Rights Access
Subject
Endangered Species Act
ecosystems
environmental ethics
ecological ethics