Leopold and the Compatibility of Eco-Centric Morality
Author(s)
Fieser, James
Abstract
According to eco-centric morality, the environment is entitled to a direct moral standing and not merely a standing derived from human interests. Eco-centrism is unique in its attempt to introduce a new principle into our value system rather than the traditional attempt to draw implications from previously accepted principles. By examining Leopold’s principle of eco-centrism in his essay “The Land Ethic”, I consider whether his principle, or similar principles, can be introduced into our value system without serious conflict with our traditional human oriented obligations, such as prohibitions against stealing. I conclude that only a well qualified “prima facie” principle of eco-centrism will be consistent with traditional normative principles.
