ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION The concept of nature encompasses the myriad of elements that surround and sustain life, including essential resources in the physical environment that permit the maintenance and continued evolution of human life. As with culture and the human environment, change constitutes an integral part of nature and the physical environment. Critical normative questions arise from the unique type of interaction that occurs between humans and their physical environment. While all life adapts to changes in nature, humankind evolved unique capabilities to alter significantly its physical environment through intentional as well as unintentional actions. The capacity to affect the direction, degree and speed of change in the physical environment presents both dangers and opportunities. In essence, this capability involves the potential for conscious choice. Ethical analysis can help clarify the value implications of potential alternative actions and provide a guide to reasoned decision making.
