Environmental Ethics

Tom Hill’s paper focuses on the need for a different perspective of the problem of environmental destruction. He states first that most people have a moral uneasiness at the destruction or disrespect of nature. He says that in order for someone to destroy the natural environment, he must not have an appreciation for his place in the natural order. This stems from either ignorance or a lack of humility. Usually, people come to care more about the environment as they learn more about it, but one must also have an emotional attachment to the environment and a humble view of one’s place. In order to be humble, one must have the right kind of self-importance and self-understanding. One must learn to value things for their own sake, not merely for their utility. Equally important is self-acceptance. If we cannot acknowledge that the same natural laws that govern all living things also govern humans, we cannot see ourselves as part of nature. Without viewing oneself as part of nature, the disconnectedness allows one to exploit nature. In order to gain this self-acceptance, one must see himself as he really is. Communing with nature can increase self acceptance. Finally, Hill says that we must cherish things, particularly natural things so that we will care for these things, and ultimately learn to cherish and protect the natural environment.