Nature: Concepts, Ethics, and Economics

This note delves into the multifaceted concept of nature, exploring its philosophical and historical underpinnings, from ancient Greek notions to the modern scientific perspective. It examines the environmental movement's influence on our understanding of wilderness, the ethical implications of the Anthropocene, and the economic imperative to internalize environmental costs. The discussion also touches upon the social construction of nature, societal impacts of the industrial revolution, and the debate surrounding overpopulation versus overconsumption. Finally, it questions the inherent value of nature independent of human perception and introduces alternative frameworks like the Capitalocene and Plantationocene.