The predominant Western conception of Nature is exemplified in and to no small extent is a consequence of the philosophy of Descartes, in which Nature is viewed as something separate and apart, to be transformed and controlled at will. Descartes’ mechanistic conception of Nature inevitably leads to the view that it is possible in principle to obtain complete proficiency and technical control over the natural world. The ethical implications of such a view of Nature are profound and greatly influence our views today.