Abstract

On the surface, students of Thomas Aquinas, Ya Kuina ideas, especially his soul concept, seem to express a human-centered tendencies, which will separate from nature, ignoring the value of other creatures, so in the contemporary eco-ethical discourse often questioned or criticized. However, in recent years, some scholars pointed out, including圣多瑪斯, including the early church fathers and medieval theologians, the concept of contemporary ecological thinking is a very important resource. In addition, some scholars pointed out,圣多瑪斯concept of moral ecology in addition to certain biological diversity, the better to provide a support ecological justice into the road. This paper aims to analyze and view the comments of contemporary scholars圣多瑪斯the one hand, often reflect ecological ethics to human-centered and eco-centric two positions in the opposition half, the other attempts to explore the圣多瑪斯ecological ethics of Chinese and Western culture, especially Confucianism and Christianity will pass what is the point. St. Thomas Aquinas's thought, especially his doctrine of soul, seems to express a kind of anthropocentrism that separates human being from Nature and thus disregards the value of other creatures. As a result, his position has often been queried and even criticized in contemporary discussion concerning ecological ethics. Recently, however, some scholars argue that the patristic and medieval thoughts, including St. Thomas's, can provide vital resources for the construction of contemporary ecological ethics. Some other scholars further suggest that St. Thomas's idea of ​​moral ecology can confirm bio-diversity and support eco-justice. Through analyzing and reflecting on these seemingly contradictory evaluations of St. Thomas's ecological legacy, this article aims at reconsidering the bifurcation of anthropocentrism and eco-centrism often made in contemporary ecological ethics, and exploring the significance of St. Thomas's position for the communication between Chinese and Western cultures, especially the dialogue between Christianity and Confucianism