Instruction
Pick one out of these theories or theorist listed below
1. Jeremy Benthem
2. Intrinsic vs Instrumental value
3. Species vs Individual Value
4. Aldo Leopold
5. Varner and Callicot
Background info: Environmental theories fall into one of two distinct but related categories: explanatory and normative. Theories in each of the two categories often contain elements of the other type of theory. The two theory types are often dependent on each other. Most explanatory theories contain at least some implicit or explicit normative elements, and all normative theories depend on at least some explanatory theories.
Explanatory environmental theories offer: An account of the nature of various environmental phenomena, A description of the relationship of these phenomena to human life and An explanation of the causal connections between the two
Anthropogenic climate change, for example, is a phenomenon that depends on an explanatory theory that says that climatic changes are a result of human activities and affect human welfare.
Normative environmental theories, by contrast, have the following characteristics: They are prescriptive, They posit a set of values, They recommend action on the basis of those values
Arguments in favor of endangered species protection laws, made on grounds of the important value of biodiversity, offer an example of the application of normative environmental theory.
Environmental Theories to Nursing Practice Application: The facts and values related in environmental theories provide parallels to decision making related to health care ethics and allocation issues
Issues for advanced practice nurses raised by considering environmental values and theories may include:
Are environmental issues also issues of human health?
Is environmental protection an aspect of public health?
How is caring for the natural world like caring for ill patients?
Does caring for patients who cannot communicate resemble considering the best interests of the natural world?