Abstract

Since the Industrial Revolution, advances in technology have given humans a previously unknown ability to radically and permanently transform entire eco-systems. Unfortunately, the misuse of this technological power creates serious ecological problems. It also raises important ethical issues concerning the balancing of human good with the good of nonhuman life, as well as the responsibilities and obligations that humans owe plants and animals. Some Christian ethicists have proposed addressing these environmental challenges by emending anthropocentric ethical systems so that they include a consideration of the duties and responsibilities that should include nonhuman life. ;This dissertation proposes a new method of Christian ethical reasoning about the environment.Rather than beginning with an anthropocentric framework and human society as its basic unit of analysis, this proposal begins with the eco-system, understood as the community of life. Thus, the flow of analysis is completely different. Using a teleological approach, the central question becomes, "What will promote the flourishing of an eco-system, as well as the plant, animal, and human life that comprises the ecological community?" This approach grows out of the Christian common good tradition. ;After a brief introduction, the dissertation examines the Amazon as a case-study, illustrating the types of environmental ethical challenges under consideration. Following its study of the Amazon, the dissertation then shifts to an exploration of the resources that the Christian tradition offers for the development of a common good ethic. This study of resources for a common good ethic begins with Catholic thought and tradition, focusing especially upon Thomas Aquinas and the Catholic Social Teachings. Although the common good tradition is normally associated with Catholic moral theology, the dissertation argues that the common good also resonates historically with certain Protestant ethical traditions, especially when we examine what Protestants understand the Kingdom of God to include. ;After identifying and developing the Christian common good tradition, the dissertation turns to a constructive chapter that delineates the Christian common good approach to ecological issues. The dissertation concludes by tracing out the implications of an ecological common good for the Amazon and the ecological crises that it is currently experiencing