Abstract

Environmental ethicists can be divided into two groups: anthropocentrists and ecocentrists. One of the distinctions between the two is their differing definitions of the term good. For anthropocentrists, including Pope John Paul II, the good is more or less equivalent to human flourishing. For ecocentrists like Rosemary Radford Ruether, the good is the integrity of the entire ecosystem. The former regard non-human nature primarily as having instrumental value for advancing human flourishing. The latter insist that the whole of creation also has intrinsic value which is greater than that of any particular species, including humans. This thesis explores how the notions of good, as articulated in Thomas' theory of good, highlight the weaknesses and strengths of anthropocentrism and ecocentrism. Thomas' understanding also points toward a more satisfactory environmental ethic. ;Thomas insists on three hierarchically ordered definitions of good. The first is natural good, the end toward which all of creation is ordered by God. That end is integrity, or a healthy, balanced ecosystem. The second is connatural good, the end of all rational beings, as known through the natural law. That end is flourishing, or the sustaining of the human community. The third is supernatural good, the final end of all those to whom God's grace has been given. That end is beatitudo: union with God. ;Ecocentrists conflate natural and connatural good. Anthropocentrists undervalue natural good in their emphasis on connatural good. When regarded in reference to one another, these three notions of good point toward an environmental ethic: human communities ought to seek their own flourishing only in ways that also save the integrity of non-human creation. Supernatural good limits the context for the discussion of environmental ethics, since it means that humans ought never lose focus on the ultimate end of rational beings who are in God's grace. ;Through the case-study of human communities dwelling in a mixed grass prairie ecosystem, this environmental ethic will be demonstrated to have concrete and practical ctical application