Nature in Asian Traditions of Thought: Essays in Environmental Philosophy / Edition 1

by J. Baird Callicott, Roger T. Ames

Overview

Here, Western environmental philosophers and some of our most distinguished representatives of Asian and comparative philosophy critically consider what Asia has to offer.

The first section provides an ecological world view as a basis for comparison. Subsequent sections include chapters by leading contemporary scholars in Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Buddhist thought that explore the Western perception of Asian traditions—the perception that Asian philosophy is a rich conceptual resource for contemporary environmental thinkers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780887069512
Publisher:	State University of New York Press
Publication date:	04/21/1989
Series:	SUNY series in Philosophy and Biology
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	358
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

J. Baird Callicott is Professor of Philosophy and Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. Roger T. Ames is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Hawaii.

Table of Contents

Preface

Foreword
Eugene C. Hargrove

Introduction: The Asian Traditions as a Conceptual Resource for Environmental Philosophy
J. Baird Callicott and Roger T. Ames

I: The Ecological World View: A Basis for Engagement

Pacific Shift
William Irwin Thompson

Biology as a Cosmological Science
Harold J. Morowitz

The Metaphysical Implications of Ecology
J. Baird Callicott

II: The Chinese World View

The Continuity of Being: Chinese Visions of Nature
Tu Wei-ming

Human/Nature in Nietzsche and Taoism
Graham Parkes

On Seeking a Change of Environment
David L. Hall

Putting the Te back into Taoism
Roger T. Ames

Units of Change - Units of Value
Robert C. Neville

III: The Japanese World View

The Japanese Concept of "Nature"
Hubertus Tellenbach and Bin Kimura

The Japanese Experience of Nature
David Edward Shaner

Saigyo and the Buddhist Value of Nature
William R. LaFleur

IV: The Buddhist World View

The Jewel Net of Indra
Francis H. Cook

Environmental Problematics
Kenneth K. Inada

Toward a Middle Path of Survival
David J. Kalupahana

V: The Indian World View

A Metaphysical Grounding for Natural Reverence: East-West
Eliot Deutsch

"Conceptual Resources" in South Asia for "Environmental Ethics"
Gerald James Larson

Epilogue: On the Relation of Idea and Action
J. Baird Callicott and Roger T. Ames

Notes

Index

Editorial Reviews

"In a single volume, this brings to the forefront a diversity of perspectives concerning environmental philosophy. Informed scholars reflect upon our current understanding of biology, ecology, and non-western philosophical traditions in order to rethink the platform of the conservationist's cause. Each chapter reveals important insights and contains much original thinking as contributors explore new ideological resources for managing our global environment...must reading for all concerned persons who are actively involved in defending our natural resources." — David Edward Shaner, Furman University

"It would serve as valuable reading for anyone who is interested in the environment and in exploring new and traditionally Asian approaches to this crucial subject." — Shigenori Nagatomo, Temple University

From the Publisher

Based on papers presented at four philosophy, Asian studies, and religion conferences held between December 1985 and November 1986. Seventeen essays on oriental thought that relates to the modern ecology movement. The contributors, not identified except by name, are mostly westerners. No bibliography. Paperback edition ($12.95) not seen. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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