The axiological dimension of nature

Stanisław Zięba

Abstract

Nature decided about man’s biological existence, and our lives are formed in it but not only biologically. Every organism introduces its specific contribution to nature. Individual elements are not found in the natural environment, but, based on the principle of various and different kinds of bonds, they create a unified whole. This complexity is nature’s fundamental property – the biotic and abiotic systems that constitute it, from the basic structures of the cosmos to complex biological systems. Life is a complex set of elements respectively organized. Three elements compose biotic systems: matter, energy and information. Matter and energy can undergo various transformations, but information decides on the system’s durability. Nature in itself contains such qualities, such organization, that it is something extraordinary, while at the same time, it ought to be the subject of reflection as to its meaning, because it has become the basis for building knowledge about the world. Nature exists independently from us, yet it is distinguished by a unique organization that we directly or indirectly depend on. The community dimension is one of the noticeable features of the nature complex. Science that ignores the values nature encompasses is not tantamount to their negation. Phenomena simply occur, and values are hidden in what happens. A value is a feature or set of features proper to a certain person or thing, a specific, qualitative feature, an object’s special qualification, or an essential meaning that a given object, system, or complex contains.The research strategy influences the field of research, and it in turn influences the issue of axiology. It is necessary to distinguish between values given to objects by the subject and values inherent in the object, independent of the cognizing subject. Nature itself contains quality of life and such organization that it is something exceptional, and thus it is valuable. If a value is real, it should influence our behavior. To undertake the axiological approach to natural systems, a systemic research strategy must be adopted. Axiological thinking is a cognition tool that allows us to enter the realm of reality that is inaccessible to empirical experience. Man knows that nature conditions his life. Common sense, however, is not always evident in human actions in relation to nature.