Towards a feminist environmental ethic

Abstract

This thesis examines the contributions of feminism to the theoretical quest for an ecologically sound environmental ethic. Set in the context of John Rodman's analysis of the currents of thought discernible in the history of the contemporary environmental movement, the thesis examines attempts by philosophy to extend the bounds of moral standing to species and ecosystems. It looks at attempts by other philosophers to rethink the criteria for moral standing and to craft new ways of thinking of the relationship of humans to the environment. Chapter One examines Moral Extensionism, concluding with an overview of Ecological Sensibility's Deep Ecology. Using the classifications of Karen Warren and Alison Jaggar, Chapter Two examines the main strands of feminism and their response to the historical/ philosophical parallels between women and nature. Chapter Three critiques these feminist traditions. The thesis concludes with an evaluation of the possible contribution of feminism to environmental ethics.