A fuzzy ontology: on the relevance of ecocentrism in marine environmental ethics

Abstract Governing human interaction in the maritime space implicitly rests on ascription of value to this space. Environmental ethics helps disentangle many concepts that may come conflict. As a particularly contested concept, ecocentrism assigns not just at atomistic level, but also holistic one. It has, however, been subject criticism, thus challenging validity recent approaches ocean management resting ecocentric grounds. This paper provides new justification for marine realm. Instead relying notions community or teleonomy nature, builds its ontology. considers “the Area” beyond national jurisdiction and declaration as “common heritage.” While shared understanding concept is necessary put it practice intergovernmental sphere, argues any characterization ontology fuzziness. In light disagreement, fluctuation, uncertainty perspective Area necessary. Ecocentrism allows overcome conceptual hindrances facilitates implementation genuinely common heritage.