Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to determine whether Boston Personalism provides a theoretical framework, realistic guides for action, and the necessary inspiration required for an adequate ecological ethic. ;In relation to the issue of theoretical framework, an analysis is made of the concepts of nature, persons, and value as found in the thought of representatives of three different generations of Boston Personalism: Borden Parker Bowne, Edgar Sheffield Brightman, and Peter Anthony Bertocci. A distinction becomes apparent between the ecological sentiments and philosophical systems of these three thinkers. They all possess sentiments that recognize the intrinsic value of life and a moral requirement for human persons to respect this value. However, the philosophical systems of Bowne and Brightman view persons as separate from nature, mind as separate from body, and value to be only of, for, and in persons. In the thought of Bertocci, greater congruence is seen between system and sentiment, and he provides a more consistent theoretical framework from which to ground an adequate ecological ethic in which persons are a part of nature, mind and body are interrelated aspects of the whole person, and values are of, for, and in all beings, capable of experience. ;Regarding the issue of realistic guides for action, an analysis is made of the moral law tradition in Boston Personalism. The moral laws provide implicit direction for ecologically responsible behavior. However, the addition of a new ecological law is suggested that focuses explicitly on our moral responsibility to the value of non-human experience. Principles are also discussed that provide more specific guidelines for ecologically responsible behavior by individuals communities, nations, and the international community. ;Finally, regarding the issue of necessary inspiration, it is argued that once the intrinsic value of all life is affirmed in both sentiment and system, Boston Personalism provides inspiration for taking nature personally. It provides a framework for seeing all of life as personal, i.e., seeing all life forms as being worthy of respect. This represents a return to sentiment, but it is a sentiment that is now supported by the philosophical system of Boston Personalism