International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education
Editors: A/Prof John Lidstone, Queensland University of Technology and Prof Joseph P. Stoltman, Western Michigan University
Book Review Editor: Dr Sarah Witham Bednarz, Texas A & M University
Editorial Assistant: Donna Bennett, Australia
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Volume: 11 Number: 1 Page: 76–79
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Enforcing Environmental Ethics: Civic Law and Natural Value
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Holmes Rolston
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How much environmental ethics should we write into law? Politically, 'command and control' solutions are out of vogue; what we need instead, many cry, are 'incentives'. But incentives operate against a
background of required compliance. Ethically, what we need is 'caring,' not law-like forms of ethics. Others emphasise 'virtues'. Caring, virtuous persons need no rules. That may be true in later stages
of personal moral development; but in public life, caring in concert needs regulation. The virtuous ahead, up front, may need no laws; but those at the rear, and most of us along the way, need enforcement,
reinforcement – which helps us move along. Rules channel caring and discipline virtuous intentions.
© Multilingual Matters 2002
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