Caring for the environment, an ethical issue

Abstract

The article explores environmental care as an ethical issue, discussing the philosophical perspectives that shape the human–nature relationship. The main objective is to analyze the moral foundations of various ecological theories—from anthropocentric to ecocentric and biocentric approaches—and to assess their impact on environmental decision-making. The methodology follows an analytic, comparative, and philosophical framework, drawing on thinkers such as Aldo Leopold, Peter Singer, Tom Regan, Arne Naess, and Murray Bookchin, as well as social action theories (Schutz, Luhmann, Berger, and Luckmann) to explain how ethical decisions become institutionalized human behaviors. Mercado Pérez combines these theoretical insights with a critical reflection on consumerism, production, and development models. The scope of the study lies in demonstrating that the ecological crisis is fundamentally an ethical and social crisis, stemming from a consumptive and hierarchical lifestyle. The author advocates for a cultural transformation grounded in deep and social ecology, emphasizing cooperation, equity, and environmental responsibility as essential principles for sustainability.