This is Environmental Ethics: An Introduction

Environmental Ethics provides an introduction to the field of environmental philosophy and ethics, exploring the moral responsibilities we have to non-human nature and living creatures. It examines major moral theories and argues that the ethic adopted must prioritize the welfare of non-human animals and plant life. The text is relevant for undergraduate students in courses on philosophy, geography, environmental studies, feminist theory, ecology, human and animal rights, and social justice, and is also an excellent graduate-level introduction to the key theories and thinkers of environmental philosophy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc

Environmental philosophy and ethics are rapidly evolving fields that play a crucial role in addressing the pressing challenges of our time, particularly the effects of climate change. In this comprehensive introduction, students and scholars will delve into the theoretical foundations and practical applications of environmental ethics, exploring the moral responsibilities we hold towards non-human nature and living creatures.

Mitigating the impacts of climate change requires global cooperation and a long-term commitment. Among the various disciplines engaged in addressing the ecological crisis, philosophy stands out as uniquely positioned to develop the conceptual foundations of a viable and sustainable environmental ethic. Environmental Ethics provides an expansive overview of the key theories underpinning contemporary discussions of our moral responsibilities to non-human nature and living creatures.

Author Wendy Lynne Lee adopts a critical approach to examine major moral theories and discern which ethic can guide us through the social, political, and economic challenges posed by potentially catastrophic environmental transformation, particularly the climate crisis. Lee argues that the ethic we adopt must prioritize the welfare of non-human animals and plant life, recognizing that ecological conditions form the existential conditions of all life on the planet.

Throughout the text, detailed yet accessible chapters demonstrate why philosophy is relevant and useful in navigating an uncertain environmental future. The book addresses questions such as which environmental theory can best address the environmental challenges of climate change and the potential for recurring pandemics. It discusses how inequalities of race, sex, gender, economic status, geography, and species impact our understanding of environmental dilemmas. It explores the role of moral principles in making decisions to resolve real-world dilemmas.

Incorporating extensive critiques of moral extensionist and ecocentric arguments, Environmental Ethics introduces cutting-edge work done by researchers at the forefront of the field. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to environmental philosophy and ethics, equipping students and scholars with the knowledge and tools needed to contribute to the urgent fight against climate change and promote a more sustainable and just world.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119122708