[Hans Jonas: Nature Conservation, Conservation of Life]

Cuad Bioet. 2015 May-Aug;26(87):253-66.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

This article discusses three of the problems that the German philosopher Hans Jonas studied. The first one addresses the need for a specific ethic dedicated to the moral dimension of environmental problems, from a different perspective to the traditional. The second problem is crucial in the discussion on environmental ethics: the value of the nature. Does the nature have an intrinsic value or an instrumental value only (to satisfy the interests of the human being)? The thesis of Jonas, which claimed that nature is a good in itself, were further elaborated here. And the third problem is the derivation of moral norms and the role of man in this ethic that recognizes a good in itself in nature. According to Jonas, the human being is not diminished by recognizing the intrinsic value of nature, since the man's uniqueness and value are unquestionable. From these three central issues, the paper highlights the importance of seeking the links between bioethics and environmental ethics to address the current environmental, social and economic crisis.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Conservation of Natural Resources*
  • Germany
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Nature*
  • Philosophy / history*

Personal name as subject

  • Hans Jonas