Do we owe nature anything?
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Flip to reveal answersDo we OWE nature anything — what's the question?
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Question
Do we OWE nature anything — what's the question?
Answer
Whether protecting nature is a real moral duty (obligation), not just a preference we choose when convenient.
Question
The three pictures of our relationship to nature?
Answer
Stewardship (nature in our care), dependence (we're part of nature), domination (nature is ours to use).
Question
Stewardship?
Answer
We're caretakers of nature — responsible for looking after it and handing it on in good shape.
Question
Dependence?
Answer
We're part of nature, not above it — harming the web of life harms us too.
Question
Domination?
Answer
Nature exists for humans, to be mastered and used; on its own it gives us little duty.
Question
Anthropocentrism?
Answer
The view that only human beings matter morally — any duty about nature is really a duty to people.
Question
How can anthropocentrism be 'green'?
Answer
A wrecked planet is a disaster for humans, so it still fights hard to protect nature — but only for our sake.
Question
The real dividing line in this micro?
Answer
Not 'do we protect nature?' but 'do we owe anything to nature ITSELF?'
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Full study notes for Do we owe nature anything?
Topic 9.2 hub
Philosophy and the environment
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