Ecologism: An Introduction

by Brian Baxter

Overview

Ecologism is a new political ideology based on the position that the non-human world is worthy of moral consideration, and that this should be taken into account in social, economic, and political systems. This innovative book provides the first comprehensive introduction to this philosophy, which is recognized as a major development in environmental politics.

Brian Baxter probes the metaphysical, moral, political, and economic facets of ecologism. Bringing the central themes of contemporary political theory into contact with green political theory, he compares ecologism to such mainstream ideologies as utilitarianism, Rawlsian liberalism, libertarianism, Marxism, and feminism. An innovative contribution to environmental ethics and political philosophy, this book provides new insights into and solutions to the problematic relationship between society and nature.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780878407811
Publisher:	Georgetown University Press
Publication date:	01/05/2000
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.79(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Brian Baxter is a lecturer in politics at the University of Dundee.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

1. Introduction

Theory
2. Metaphysics
3. Biology and Ecologism: The Case of Sociobiology

Morality
4. The Moral Theory of Ecologism
5. Moral Considerability and Moral Trade-offs

Politics
6. Ecologism's Political Philosophy: Human Nature, the Human Predicament and Political Morality
7. Ecologism's Political Philosophy: Political Morality and Meta-issues
8. Ecologism and Contemporary Political Philosophy: Utilitarianism, Rawlsian Liberalism and Libertarianism
9. Ecologism and Contemporary Political Philosophy: Marxism, Communitarianism and Feminism

Political Economy
10. Can Ecologism Transform Capitalism?: Sustainable Development, Ecological Modernisation and Economic Democracy
11. Alternatives to 'Greened' Capitalism: Market Socialism and Global Ecology
12. Conclusion

Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

In sum, this is a valuable book, whose author is determined to show that ecologism has its own and autonomous standpoints and values.

From the Publisher

There is a need for this book … I would recommend it as essential reading."

Tim Hayward

Brian Baxter's book will be a valuable contribution to the field of green moral and political theory, constituting an original contribution to the development of green normative theory in particular and contemporary political theory in general. It covers some of the standard issues in the area as well as making some genuine original advances, and is written in an elegant and eloquent style.

Dr John Barry