Naturaalia

Naturaalia is a term used in environmental philosophy and ecocriticism to signify the notion of nature as a unified, interrelated totality rather than merely a collection of discrete objects or resources. It foregrounds natural processes, systems, and relations, and treats nature as having intrinsic value that is not reducible to human use or calculation. The coinage blends the Latin natura with the suffix -alia to signal a broad category of natural reality rather than a single thing.

Its usage centers on debates about intrinsic value, ecological integrity, and the aims of conservation. Proponents argue that recognizing naturaalia supports policies and practices aimed at preserving the functioning of ecosystems, biodiversity, and long-term resilience, even when such decisions may conflict with short-term economic interests. The concept is often contrasted with anthropocentric or utilitarian framings of nature. Critics contend that the term can be vague, culturally contingent, or ambiguous about how value is determined or measured in practice.

Origin and reception of the term appear primarily in specialized philosophical and ecological literature from the late 20th century onward, with sporadic uptake in ecocritical writing and environmental ethics. While not universally adopted, it has been used to articulate a holistic view of nature that complements discussions of wilderness, natural processes, and ecosystem health.

The concept is related to broader debates in environmental ethics, including discussions of intrinsic value, ecological integrity, wilderness preservation, and deep ecology. It has been used to frame arguments for precautionary conservation and to critique purely utilitarian approaches to natural resources.