Recognising Rights for Nature: A Negotiation of Principle and Pragmatism
Abstract
This paper investigates the tensions inherent in the notion of a non-anthropocentric earth justice system predicated on the recognition or consideration of rights for nature. It considerswhether metaethical frameworks based on the notion of ecocentrism are competent toinform and engenderthe development of legal and political interventions which can effectively respond to ecological crises. In particular, it considers the extent to which tensions between pragmatism and principle may hinder the development of an effective earth jurisprudence.
Author Biography
Anne Schillmoller
Anne Schillmoller has been employed as a lecturer in law at Southern Cross University since 1993. Her current fields of teaching and research interest include legal philosophy, administrative law, animal law and ecological jurisprudence. Anne lives on a rural property in northern New South Wales where she endeavours to apply ecological theory in daily life while struggling with the reality of her human privilege.
Aidan Ricketts
Aidan Ricketts is an experienced academic and educator as well as a prominent social and environmental activist. Aidan has published extensively in the fields of law, activism and education and has recently completed a book " The Activists Handbook: A step-by-step guide to participatory democracy" which is being published internationally by Zed books in 2012. Aidan is currently employed as a lecturer in law at Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia. Aidan has also spent several years as a lecturer with the University of the South Pacific in Vanuatu.