Valuing Earth Intrinsically and Instrumentally: A Theological Framework for Environmental Ethics

Authors

Jame Schaefer, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2005

Publisher

Theological Studies, Inc.

Source Publication

Theological Studies

Source ISSN

0040-5639

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1177/004056390506600403

Abstract

Philosophers have struggled with value theory as one of the most recalcitrant problems for environmental ethics. Theologians can benefit from their efforts when retrieving and reworking notions about the goodness of creation in patristic and medieval texts, particularly those by Augustine, John Chrysostom, and Thomas Aquinas. This process yields a religiously motivated rationale for intrinsic-instrumental valuing of the physical world's constituents for themselves, their relationships to one another, and their common good that can be relevant, meaningful, and helpful for responding to ecological degradation.

Comments

Published version. Theological Studies, Vol. 66, No. 4 (December 2005): 783-814. DOI. © 2005 Theological Studies, Inc. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Schaefer, Jame, "Valuing Earth Intrinsically and Instrumentally: A Theological Framework for Environmental Ethics" (2005). Theology Faculty Research and Publications. 217.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theo_fac/217