ABSTRACT

Ecology – unlike astronomy, physics, or chemistry – is a science with an associated political and ethical movement: the Green Movement. As a result, the ecological position is often accompanied by appeals to holism, and by a mystical quasi-religious conception of the ecosystem. In this title, first published in 1988, Andrew Brennan argues that we can reduce much of the mysticism surrounding ecological discussions by placing them within a larger context, and illustrating that our individual interests are bound with larger, community interests.

Using an interdisciplinary approach, which bridges the gap between the sciences, philosophy, and ethics, this is an accessible title, which will be of particular value to students with an interest in the philosophy of environmental science and ethics.

chapter |8 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|12 pages

Thinking about the Environment

chapter 2|10 pages

Frameworks

chapter 3|14 pages

Ecology: What It Is and What It Isn't

chapter 4|21 pages

Ecology in Perspective

chapter 5|14 pages

Reduction and Holism

chapter 6|12 pages

Nature and Existence

chapter 7|17 pages

Ecological Explanation

chapter 8|24 pages

Supervenience and Essence

chapter 9|13 pages

Theory, Fact and Value

chapter 10|11 pages

Puzzles about Value

chapter 12|13 pages

Beyond the Social Contract

chapter 13|15 pages

Living in the New Community

chapter 14|21 pages

Practical Matters