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The preservation of natural value in the solar system

Date

1986

Authors

Rolston, Holmes, 1932-, author
Sierra Club Books, publisher

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Volume Title

Abstract

Earth is, by one account, an accident, of great value in contrast with valueless astronomical worlds. The universe is, by another account, fine tuned with anthropic features that anticipate life and mind on Earth. Projective nature, a third model, interprets nature as an inventive system, driving the spontaneous appearance of diversity, order, and value. If so, we ought to preserve in solarplanetary nature: (1) places spontaneously worthy of proper names, (2) places of exotic extremes, (3) of historical interest, (4) of creative potential, (5) with aesthetic properties, and (6) of transformative value.

Description

Includes bibliographical references (pages 180-182).
Originally presented at the conference on Environmental Ethics and the Solar System, June 5-8, 1985, University of Georgia, Athens, sponsored by EVIST, National Science Foundation, and the Planetary Society.

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Subject

space
Earth
accidental nature
anthropic nature
solar-planetary nature
preserving nature
creativity
ecosystems
universe

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