Research On Rolston’s Natural Value Theory

Rolston’s environmental ethics originated in the mid to late 20 th century.With the rapid progress of industrial civilization and the vigorous environmental protection movement,his natural value theory emerged.The paper studies Rolston’s core natural value theory,deeply grasps the transcendence of its theoretical realization,understands the main connotation of its natural value theory and its position in the field of environmental ethics,fully understands and absorbs its essence,and provides a useful reference for China’s current ecological civilization cause.The paper mainly conducts research from the following four aspects:Firstly,the background of Rolston’s natural value theory was analyzed.The paper believes that the "Instrumental Reason" advocated by industrial civilization has led to a severe ecological crisis;At the same time,the vigorous development of the environmental protection movement urgently required the construction of relevant theories,so Rolston invested in the research team of environmental protection theory,and his natural value theory emerged from this.The paper also believes that the natural values of animal liberation/rights theory,the natural values of biocentricism,and Leopold’s land ethic are important sources of his natural value ideas.Secondly,the main viewpoints of Rolston’s natural value theory were studied.Starting from the wild foundation of Rolston’s natural value,the paper studies the logical structure of natural value,combs the levels and relationships of Rolston’s natural value,and classifies natural value into three levels: intrinsic value,instrumental value and systematic value.The paper believes that its natural value thoughts have three main characteristics: objectivity,creativity and diversity.Thirdly,analyzed the relevant discussions on Rolston’s natural value ideology.Western scholars’ discussions about his natural value thoughts mainly focus on intrinsic value,ecological utopianism and naturalistic fallacies;Chinese scholars have mainly raised questions about the generalization of values,the neglect of human special status,and the dilemma in practice.Through sorting out these viewpoints,the paper concludes that Rolston’s natural value theory still lacks an accurate definition of natural value,and there are some contradictions in the argument of natural value,as well as limitations in its theory such as compromise.Finally,the significance and inspiration of Rolston’s natural value theory were obtained.Rolston’s natural value theory turned the focus of ethics from "rights" to "values",and determined the research direction of environmental ethics;Expanding the scope of ethical care and awakening people’s sense of responsibility towards nature;Finally,the system value was creatively proposed.The paper also believes that its natural value theory has promoted the development of modern Western environmental protection movements;Promoting the protection of wilderness and the construction of national parks;Enable the public to transform their ecological thinking and establish a "inhabitant" outlook on life.At the end of the paper,it is believed that its theory is beneficial for us to establish a holistic ecological view,especially in promoting the ecological environment protection emphasized by the 20 th National Congress of the Communist Party of China;Improve laws related to environmental protection and promote fairness in environmental decision-making;Promote harmonious coexistence between humans and nature,and build a socialist harmonious society;Protecting the diversity of natural values and practicing a green lifestyle...