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Conservation as virtue: a scientific and social process for conservation ethics
1Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA. kyle.vanhoutan@gmail.com
Conservation Biology : the Journal of the Society for Conservation Biology
|September 28, 2006
Summary
Conservation ethics need a new approach. Virtue ethics, rooted in cultural traditions, offers a more effective framework than science-only or science-skeptic views for broad public support and legitimacy.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Ethics
- Conservation Science
- Philosophy of Science
Background:
- Ethical arguments for conservation are often assumed, not deeply explored.
- Current approaches to conservation ethics by scientists like Gould and Wilson are limited.
- A lack of robust ethical theory hinders conservation's public support and practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critique dominant scientific approaches to conservation ethics.
- To propose Alasdair MacIntyre's virtue ethics as a more effective alternative.
- To explore how virtue ethics can enhance conservation's cultural legitimacy and social relevance.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of ethical frameworks (Gould, Wilson, MacIntyre).
- Application of MacIntyre's virtue ethics to conservation challenges.
- Drawing parallels with historical social movements (e.g., Civil Rights Movement).
Main Results:
- Science-centric or science-skeptical ethics limit conservation's appeal.
- MacIntyre's virtue ethics integrates scientific inquiry with social traditions.
- Historical examples show the power of tradition-rooted solidarity for social change.
Conclusions:
- Conservation requires a strong ethical foundation beyond purely scientific or economic arguments.
- Integrating scientific practice with cultural traditions is crucial for conservation's legitimacy.
- Virtue ethics offers a promising direction for building widespread support for conservation efforts.
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