Abstract: The central point of this paper is to stress how much our vision of man and of his rule in the world can influence our behavior towards nature (and also towards other men, but this problem is not discussed here). Here are analysed three philosophies: dominion, which is linked to growth, coordination, linked to sustainable development and cooperation, linked to degrowth philosophy. Each of these philosophies implements different ontological status and rights to nature, according to their principles. So, starting from this point of view in which theory is behind every practical action, we can say that a choice between one of these philosophies is fundamental to change men's habits.