This is the first book to outline a basic philosophy of ecology using the standard categories
of academic philosophy: metaphysics axiology epistemology aesthetics ethics and political
philosophy. The problems of global justice invariably involve ecological factors. Yet the
science of ecology is itself imbued with philosophical questions. Therefore studies in
ecological justice the sub-discipline of global justice that relates to the interaction of
human and natural systems should be preceded by the study of the philosophy of ecology. This
book enables the reader to access a philosophy of ecology and shows how this philosophy is
inherently normative and provides tools for securing ecological justice. The moral philosophy
of ecology directly addresses the root cause of ecological and environmental injustice: the
violation of fundamental human rights caused by the inequitable distribution of the benefits
(economies) and costs (diseconomies) of industrialism. Philosophy of ecology thus has
implications for human rights pollution poverty unequal access to resources sustainability
consumerism land use biodiversity industrialization energy policy and other issues of
social and global justice. This book offers an historical and interdisciplinary exegesis. The
analysis is situated in the context of the Western intellectual tradition and includes great
thinkers in the history of ecological thinking in the West from the natural sciences social
sciences and humanities.¿ Keller asks the big questions and surveys answers with remarkable
detail. Here is an insightful analysis of contemporary classical and ancient thought alike
in the ecological sciences the humanities and economics the roots and fruits of our concepts
of nature and of being in the world. Keller is unexcelled in bridging the is ought gap
bridging nature and culture and in celebrating the richness of life its pattern process and
creativity on our wonderland Earth. Holmes Rolston III University Distinguished Professor
Colorado State University Author of A New Environmental Ethics: The Next Millennium for Life on
Earth (2012) Mentored by renowned ecologist Frank Golley and renowned philosopher Frederick
Ferré David Keller is well prepared to provide a deep history and a sweeping synthesis of the
idea of ecology¿including the metaphysical epistemological and ethical aspects of that idea
as well as the scientific. J. Baird Callicott University Distinguished Research Professor
University of North Texas Author of Thinking Like a Planet: The Land Ethic and the Earth Ethic
(2013)
