Tolle Lege: An Augustinian Journal of Philosophy and Theology

Ruth Irwin's environmentalism places people in a close relationship with the natural world. From an indigenous standpoint, Irwin's worldview places a strong focus on bioegalitarianism and ecological integration as means of preserving a healthy ecosystem. Her theories demonstrate the connectivity, interdependence, and sense of reciprocity between humans and nature. Her environmental philosophy situates humanity within nature as part and parcel of the ecosystem rather than above it, in a position of superiority and alienation. According to Irwin, this could prevent the world's environmental problems, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, flooding, desertification, extreme heat, and pollution of the air, water, and land. Many researchers have tried to find a practical solution to this issue, by putting humans above nature, thereby creating a problem of human dominance and exploitation of nature. Does her bioegalitarianism's extension of personhood and moral respect to non-human entities actually solve the current environmental problems facing the world? This paper argued for more stringent environmental restrictions globally because there is no concrete evidence that extending moral consideration to non-human entities can ensure a healthy ecosystem. Using an analytical approach, the paper assessed Irwin's environmental philosophy and valued her significant contributions, particularly her notion of connectivity and interdependence in the interaction between humans and nature. This paper believed that more binding environmental regulations can strengthen her environmentalism to better address the current environmental issues today. 

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