Analysis on Man’s Utilitarian Relationship with Nature: Ethics and Environmental Economics
Leonardo Andriola

Abstract
This paper highlights the economic supremacy over environmental problems. Human activities are depleting the so-called “commons” given to us spontaneously by Nature and accessible for the sustainable production and use of earth’s wealth. The process driving this degenerative interaction is capitalist development, both constructive and destructive: this dualism has been perpetuated for about two centuries and transforms ethical and social values into mere economic values. For Capital, the sole value is the maximization of profit: this is the great engine of this process leading to disaster. If it does not destroy the environment, it destroys itself. The environment needs care and stewardship of the common resources. I think that in our reasoning, we should rise above a purely economics-orientated approach and reading. Protecting nature means protecting ourselves. This is an awareness paper.

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