Revisiting two dogmas of conservation science |
| |
Authors: | Kristy M Ferraro Anthony L Ferraro A Z Andis Arietta Nathalie R Sommer |
| |
Institution: | 1. Yale School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA;2. Cheshire Academy, Cheshire, Connecticut, USA |
| |
Abstract: | Conservation science is a morally motivated field, with implicit and explicit values built into its practice. As such, conservationists must engage with conservation ethics to interrogate underlying values. We examine cutting-edge ecological science and contemporary ethics to revisit two conservation norms that have become dogmatic in the field: ecological collectives, but not individual animals, are valuable and anthropomorphism should be staunchly avoided. Emerging studies demonstrate that individuals and their intraspecific variation can be instrumentally valuable for conservation science, and there is an emerging consensus within environmental philosophy around the moral worth of individuals. Thus, we suggest conservation science should explicitly recognize the value of individuals. We also argue that avoiding anthropomorphism is detrimental to conservation because critical anthropomorphism enables a more nuanced scientific approach—allowing conservationists to ask enlightened questions with creativity and compassion. We provide evidence that both dogmatic norms are scientifically and morally outdated and propose new normative values to push conservation towards more robust science and ethical practice. |
| |
Keywords: | animal ethics anthropomorphism applied ethics conservation ethics environmental ethics environmental philosophy antropomorfismo ética ambiental ética animal ética aplicada ética de la conservación filosofía ambiental 应用伦理学 动物伦理学 拟人化 保护伦理学 环境哲学 环境伦理学 |
|
|