Current Definition and Vision of Geoethics

Abstract

Geoethics was developed as a reflection on the meaning of geosciences and the roles and values of reference of the geoscientific community. More recently, the perimeter of geoethical analysis has expanded to include the global issues of modern societies, above all anthropogenic environmental changes, which are redefining the prospects and expectations of human life on the planet. The current definition of Geoethics describes both its philosophical dimension and aspects related to its practical application in the scientific and social fields. Its formulation has numerous implications and aims to provide reference points for a novel way of intending and relating to the planet. This chapter intends to present the fundamental characteristics, objectives, and general vision of Geoethics, framing it in a synthetic way within some currents of contemporary thoughts.