환경, 과연 지속가능한가? ― 유학(儒學)의 고전을 중심으로 ―

Abstract

In this thesis, it was examined whether the environment was sustainable or not. This subject was set in order to investigate if civilization and environment could coexist. In this paper, it was studied focusing on the Classics of Confucianism. First, the western theories of nonanthropocentric environmental ethics and anthropocentric environmental ethics were examined. As an environmental theory can be assessed to be proper when the human civilizations which have been established till now are taken into consideration, the nonanthropocentric environmental ethics were investigated critically, and advanced into the anthropocentric environmental ethics. The sustainability of the anthropocentric environmental ethics was also examined. How to deal with greed that Mencius(孟子) acknowledged and individuals’ will were important matters. Humans can be greedy with their actions only as much as the nature can purify itself. Therefore, we must deal with the environment only within the possible range of purification by the nature. It is the best way to help both the nature and humans survive. The environmental problems have been occurring because of human greed. It’s because humans have regarded their rights as given by the nature, and have ignored their responsibilities or duties. Therefore, humans should not forget any more that they have responsibilities and liability rather than just enjoying their rights given to them.