On The Moral Agents And Their Obligations

Relying on the unique natural value theory, Holmes Rolston, thefamous American contemporary environmental ethicist, settles his uniquestatus in the educational circles of environment Ethics, But the significanceand value of his Environmental Ethics lie not only in his objective naturalvalue theory, but also in his duty theory on the basis of the natural valuetheory. The thesis mainly takes the conception of Moral Agent as the coreto introduce the duty theory of Rolston, and on the basis of analyzing histheory the article also expresses view on its theoretical and practicalsignificances. On the one hand, the concept of Moral Agent expands thescope of ethical concern, and further identifies the ethical relations betweenthe human being and the nature; on the Other hand, the definition of theextensions of moral agents' duties and the inquisition into the ways ofmoral agents performing their duties, provide some useful insights andfeasible plans to solve the environmental problems. The concept of MoralAgent serves as a bridge between the natural value theory and the dutytheory of Rolston, and transforms the theory into reality, Thus, the systemis more complete and the content is more plentiful of Rolston'sEnvironmental Ethics. Facing the increasingly severe environmental crisis,We should keep Rolston's instructions in mind firmly, bear the moralresponsibility and duty to the nature, and become its trustworthy moralagents.