An Overview of Materialistic and Unified approach to Man - Nature Relationship
Keywords:
Environment; Environmental Ethics; Human-Nature Relationship; Science; TechnologyAbstract
It is a fact of human history that due to the tremendous development in science and technology and the role it plays in human lives, it is always been viewed as an agent of social progress, an instrument that replaces traditional mode of living with modern living. Science is now viewed as representing an emancipatory force. Thus, it subsequently brings a change in human moral thinking. Humanity now feels the need for applying ethical principles to practical aspects of life. The concern for the environment is one of such aspects that became the object of human serious ethical concern. The need for environmental ethics as an independent study to be pursued is never felt so actively. As a study in environmental ethics, this research discusses the relationship between human beings and nature. This research explores the question of if human beings are part of nature? Or is nature separate from human beings? This suggests two main approaches to the above discussion. The first one is a materialistic-technological approach, which avers that human being is superior to nature. A second approach is a unified approach to nature. Here we try to show that man is part of nature and they both complement each other.