Final answer:
The statement refers to the idea that fundamental ethical values are usually understood implicitly and are informed by cultural norms, emphasizing that ethics often transcend written documentation. Environmental ethics, particularly Aldo Leopold's biocentric ethic, highlight our moral responsibilities to the natural world and the challenge of integrating these values within human-centered frameworks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase "something so important as an ethic is never written" suggests that certain ethical principles are so foundational and universally understood that they do not need to be formally documented to be recognized and followed. This idea touches upon the concept that ethics are deeply ingrained in human consciousness and social constructs, and can vary based on cultural perspectives. The statement seems to express the belief that core ethical values are intrinsic to human nature, and their guidance is often understood implicitly rather than needing to be codified.
Environmental ethics, particularly the idea of a sustainable ethic, reflect the importance of understanding and respecting our moral obligations to the natural world. The biocentric ethic proposed by Aldo Leopold in A Sand County Almanac extends these obligations, suggesting that the land and all its components are deserving of moral consideration, shifting the human role from conqueror to member and citizen of the natural world.
In the context of conservation and preservation, ethical frameworks provide a basis for determining our responsibilities to both humans and the environment, balancing anthropocentric needs with biocentric values. Such ethical discussions are often complex, with varying approaches including anthropocentrism, biocentrism, and the instrumental value of natural resources to human needs.