The moral rights of nature, and especially the rights of ecosystems, have been difficult to establish within the conceptual boundaries of traditional moral theories. Underlying assumptions of...Show moreThe moral rights of nature, and especially the rights of ecosystems, have been difficult to establish within the conceptual boundaries of traditional moral theories. Underlying assumptions of interests and individuality, as well as complications with adequately defining ecosystems, have culminated into what I call the ecosystem dilemma. In this thesis, I argue that these ontological and ethical problems can be resolved by employing Indigenous traditional knowledge (TK), represented by Mi'kmaq concepts such as netukulimk. By expanding our ways of thinking about the world and our place within it, we can break the ecosystem dilemma. Utilizing the Mi'kmaq's holistic approach to the environment supports the case for the moral concern of ecosystems. Yet, no single point of view should dominate the discussion – the 'map of moral concern' aims to collect different concepts that are to be used in coadjuvancy to resolve moral dilemmas. Cooperation can be achieved by combining values (traditional Western thinking) and employing two-eyed seeing (Mi'kmaq TK). My thesis tries to showcase the value of immersing oneself fully in a different way of thinking to resolve well-documented problems – essentially this is an argument for radical openmindedness to ultimately strengthen the concept of moral rights of nature.Show less
De manier waarop de mens de aarde op dit moment gebruikt, is een extreme belasting van de ecosystemen op aarde. De effecten hiervan zijn terug te zien in de massale uitsterving van vissen, de...Show moreDe manier waarop de mens de aarde op dit moment gebruikt, is een extreme belasting van de ecosystemen op aarde. De effecten hiervan zijn terug te zien in de massale uitsterving van vissen, de mondiale ontbossing, de uitbreiding van woestijnen, stijging van CO2 in de atmosfeer, bodemerosie, klimaatverandering, dalende grondwaterspiegels, smeltende gletsjers, stijging van de zeespiegel, opdrogende rivieren, uitsterving van diersoorten en daling van biodiversiteit (Brown, 2004:8). De groeiende wereldbevolking vormt een bedreiging voor de nu al overbelaste ecosystemen (United Nations, 2011).Show less
