|
|
Nature as stock of economic goods This is the traditional view. Nature is viewed as something to be tamed and dominated and utilised. Efficient allocation of natural resources is through the market. Nature as endangered ecosystem This is a view taken by some environmentalists. It reflects fear about survival. Those taking such a view find tradeoffs involving giving up parts of nature unacceptable. For them economics is a secondary consideration. Nature as source of intrinsic good Those taking this view, generally environmentalists, argue that there is a need for new ethical principles and a changed relationship between humans and nature, one that is less instrumental. They appeal to the heart and for a new cultural wisdom. This is a view taken by sociologists and academics. They argue that our view of nature is socially constructed and we need to study ourselves as well as natural ecosystems to find solutions to environmental problems.
|
Views
of Nature
Catastrophists
vs Cornucopians
