Overview

Beginning with an overview of current concerns, Belshaw locates our attitudes toward the environment within their cultural and historical milieu. He then examines the various positions in detail, ranging from the moderate view that we ought to consider not only ourselves but also other animals, to the seemingly more extravagant contention that non-sentient life, rocks, deserts B indeed all of the processes of nature B should be considered intrinsically valuable. In later chapters Belshaw explores the importance of an aesthetic response to the environment, opening the way for a human-centred position that is both more generous and more flexible than those often advanced elsewhere. In contrast to many of its competitors, Environmental Philosophy challenges accepted dichotomies B man/nature, instrumental/intrinsic, green/non-green B and advocates conciliation rather than confrontation. Although the arguments are rigorous, the writing is clear and non-technical, making Environmental Philosophy an excellent survey for those engaging with these issues for the first time, as well as offering much to challenge the more advanced student.

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9780773522961

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One of the best books on environmental ethics I've ever read. David Schmidtz, professor of philosophy and economics, University of Arizona A solid and serious piece of work, thorough and fair. A good, strong text. Michael Ruse, Lucyle T. Werkmeister Professor of philosophy, Florida State University and author of Taking Darwin Seriously

Author Information

Christopher Belshaw is senior lecturer and staff tutor in philosophy at The Open University.

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