Towards the Concept of “subject of morality” (reasoning from ecological-ethical debate)

Abstract

This paper presents a critical discussion of the reasons for which different doctrines of ecological ethics recognize some beings or things as subjects of morality. The reference to the «end (or value) in itself» and «natural rights» cannot be excepted as such a reason. The fact that some being or thing is a subject of moral care is quite independent of such kind of reasons and caused by the influence of many cultural-historical factors.