ABSTRACT
But it can also be put differently; and that is important. L. Wittgenstein, Philosophical Remarks
Certain notions and concepts that are used in the theoretical discourse of environmental ethics are often found to be complicated and hard to characterize. Scholars writing on Buddhism and nature have also incorporated many such ideas and concepts (as was seen in the last chapter), but have failed to draw a clearer picture regarding their theoretical usage leading to many misinterpretations and obscurities. So while considering the presence of an environmental ethics in Buddhism, it becomes vitally important to know and understand what these concepts imply in theory. Since an exhaustive selection is not possible only two frequently occurring and very fundamental concepts that have added value in the Buddhist context will be discussed in the course of this chapter and the next; these are nature and anthropocentrism. Each of these concepts can be interpreted in several different ways leading to diverse outcomes such that can change the course and focus of environmental study entirely. Once at least some of these ways are identified, a detailed analysis of the occurrence of these concepts in Buddhism and their impact will be attempted. Related issues of value and future generations, constantly reiterated in environmental ethics, are also included in this analysis.
