Environmental Ethics

Author(s): S M Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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SYMBIOSIS OR MUTUALISM
Core Principle :
The first and foremost principle for environment is symbiosis or mutualism. It is fundamental and foundation of other core principles. The environmental matrix is such that all constituents are interdependent. No one constituent including human kind and no single component in one kind of constituents e.g. a person in human society, a bird, an animal of any sort, an insect and even an atom functions in isolation. Every atom in a molecule is important for proper functioning of its all other atoms and viceversa all other atoms are important for functioning of every single atom. In human body there are trillions of living cells. Each cell works in conformity, in cooperation with all other cells, for mutual benefit. A single errant cell causes cancer or other malfunctioning in the entire body and endangers its existence. Within a living cell there are other organelle mitochondria and others which work in conformity to enable the cell to function properly. Within each organelle in a cell there are numerous molecules and within a molecule there are atoms and within an atom are protons, neutrons, electrons and quarks, all functioning in conformity and harmony with each other. In any inanimate man-made machine also every component however small or big is important for the proper functioning of the whole machine and function of any component is dependent on all other components. The entire fabric or matrix is so intrinsically integrated that nothing happens or exists in isolation at all micro or macro levels. Mankind must learn, understand, imbibe and follow the principle of mutualism or
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