Natural Law and Environmental Ethics

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A level Religious Education (RE) (Environmental Ethics) Mind Map on Natural Law and Environmental Ethics, created by Carys Wilkinson on 21/01/2017.
Carys Wilkinson
Mind Map by Carys Wilkinson, updated more than 1 year ago
Carys Wilkinson
Created by Carys Wilkinson over 7 years ago
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Resource summary

Natural Law and Environmental Ethics
  1. Scott A Davison
    1. idea of human flourishing can be extended to other non humans
      1. even a vacuum cleaner 'does have an end that constitutes its functioning well'
        1. we should work to support the environment and other sentient beings to help them achieve their natural purpose and flourish
          1. this is consistent with the view that part of our own flourishing involves doing actions that are altruistic
      2. Donnelly and Bishop
        1. Wrote in 'Natural Law and Ecocentrism'
          1. Made a distinction between new and traditional natural law.
            1. Traditional natural law encourages ecocentrism because it questions how humans are related to nature.
              1. We have a biological, ascetic and emotional relationship with the environment which is fundamental to what it means to be human.
                1. Our natural capacity to witness and intervene in environmental damage shows that 'these capabilities belong to our nature; and therefore it is in our nature to act upon environmental damage.
          2. In its traditional form, has views similar to Christianity.
            1. Essentially anthropocentric
              1. Focus on human flourishing and achieving our telos.
            2. Aquinas
              1. Saw animals as existing for the benefit of humans,
                1. Although the natural world has its own telos, natural law still gives most value to human life.
                2. Still possible to apply primary precepts to the environment
                  1. They are universal and so provide a framework for all people and cultures.
                    1. The precept of worshipping God suggests we should give value to the environment and creation.
                      1. We also share many precepts with other animals such as reproduction, education, and preservation of life.
                  2. Criticisms
                    1. Donnelly and Bishop criticise Aquinas' theory for being too anthropocentric; it doesn't give the environment intrinsic value
                      1. Natural Law is just a theory that lacks the tools to turn any theory into practice.
                        1. D & B argue that both new Natural Law and Aquinas' theory lack any practical method of calculating what to do to solve environmental problems.
                      2. Elizabeth Theokritoff
                        1. Sees in nature a bond between Creation and the Creator which needs to be restored to reunite the created order.
                          1. An orthodox idea that develops Aristotle's idea that Creation works harmoniously.
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