Man-nature-technology. Philosophical considerations of man-animal-relations.

Man's position in nature is equivocal. Man is part of nature and through ev olution is linked to other living beings. Although an "Animal among Animals ", nature has provided him with capabilities that separate him from all liv ing beings in its realm. These comprise the ability for reflection and subs equent moral behavior, but also the gift (and necessity) for using technolo gy to shape and subjugate his natural environment. Based upon this "Dual Na ture of Man" the essay focuses on the web of interactions between Man, Natu re and Technology. Modern ethics of animal protection argue in favor of ext ending the principle of equality ("To Each His Own") to include animals as well. However, the principle of equality is a purely formal, heuristic rule for assigning morally just determinations of value. It requires normative padding as far as its content is concerned. Consequently, the content of th e principle of equality ought to be more closely determined in keeping with the ideal of humanity.