John Muir (1838-1914) and the Preservation Ethic Ethical values John Muir (1838-1914) and the Preservation Ethic

Gifford Pinchot (1865-1946) and the Resource Conservation Ethic

Aldo Leopold (1887-1962) and the Evolutionary-Ecological Land Ethic

Along with economic reasons for protecting biodiversity, there are strong ethical reasons. -respect for life -reverence for nature -sense of beauty, fragility, uniqueness, or antiquity of nature -belief in divine creation All known human societies made decisions based on ethical and economic values. Ex. slavery and child labor are wrong even though they have an economic benefit. Need to develop a duty to protect biodiversity

Ethical arguments for preserving biodiversity 1) Each species (not individuals) has a right to exist. -each is an unique solution to a problem of biological survival and has intrinsic value (for its own sake) Box 6.1 on sharks -however, the protection of endangered species or communities may involve the removal of common species Ex. Santa Barbara Live Forever and rabbits in the Channel Islands of California that are administered by the National Park Service

Box 6.1 Sharks: Conservation benefits of a public perception makeover

6.1 Government agencies judged the continued existence of Santa Barbara live-forever to be more valuable than the common rabbits

2) Stewardship is a covenant with God 2) Stewardship is a covenant with God. -called stewardship argument -wrong to destroy biodiversity because it is God's creation. -Jewish and Christian traditions Ex. Genesis "God saw that it was good and blessed them" Ex Noah's Ark involved saving two of all species not just the ones humans found useful -Islam- prophet Muhammad "The world is green and beautiful and God has appointed you his stewards over it. He sees how you acquit (conduct) yourselves." -many others Box 6.2

3) People have a duty to their neighbors and future generations 3) People have a duty to their neighbors and future generations. -sustainability- use natural resources in the most efficient manner possible to minimize human demands on the environment. -Rolston (1995) "It is safe to say that in the decades ahead, the quality of life will decline in proportion to the loss of biotic diversity, though it is often thought that one must sacrifice biotic diversity to improve human life“ -We have moral obligations beyond our self (Figure 6.2)

6.2 Environmental ethics holds that an individual has an expanding set of moral obligations

Respect for human life and human diversity is compatible with a respect for biodiversity. Protects our life support systems and economy Provides aesthetic and recreational enjoyment Allows for artistic and literary expression Has provided the basis of extensive scientific knowledge that has dramatically improved human life Has provided an understanding of history and how humans have changed their perspectives through time Has provided religious inspiration -one modern environmental philosophy that supports these tenants and strives to change beliefs throughout the world is termed deep ecology (Naess, 1989; Sessions, 1995; Witoszek and Brennan, 1999)

6.3 Rare wildflowers and butterflies are the inspiration for botanical sculptor Patrick O’Hara