EEB255H1 Chapter 6: Chapter 6.docx
Document Summary
Foundation in value systems of religions and philosophies and are readily understood by the general public. Appeal to: respect for life, reverence for nature or specific parts of it, a sense of beauty, fragility, uniqueness or antiquity of the living world, or a belief in divine creation. To many people provides the most convincing reasons for conservation. Environmental ethics a new discipline within philosophy, articulates the ethical value of the natural world. Ethical arguments can complement economic and biological arguments for protecting biodiversity. Following arguments are based on intrinsic value of species and on our duties to other people. Important as they provide rationale for protecting all species (rare and of no economic value) Each species has a right to exist: all species represent unique biological solution to the problem of survival, all living species represent a historical lineage with their own beauty and fitness. Intrinsic value reason enough to protect, not because of human need.