ABSTRACT
The Anthropocene calls this logic into question by noting that a rupture has been identified in the Earth system itself. One of the most interesting insights drawn from the Earth systems science is Dipesh Chakrabarty's argument that the Anthropocene has undercut the “artificial but time-honoured distinction between natural and human histories.” In environmental thought this idea is commonly expressed in the idea of ecological integrity. Like the discussion of rights of nature in chapter four, the concept of ecological integrity is another example of how law has developed in conversation with science and philosophy. To engage the concept of ecological integrity, this chapter begins by tracing its emergence in philosophy, theology and then in science. Following Leopold, the idea of ecological integrity was developed in two directions – theology and secular ethics. In theology, ecological integrity was interpreted with reference to natural law concepts like human dignity.
