Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Living in Integrity: A Global Ethic to Restore a Fragmented Earth (Studies in Social, Political, and Legal Philosophy)

This innovative book takes a new look at environmental ethics and the need for ecological and biological integrity. Laura Westra explores the necessity for radical alteration not only of interpersonal ethics, but also of social institutions and public policy. In the process, Westra denies the validity of majority rule in environmentally ethical concerns. Issues discussed in the book include the link between ecological integrity and human health; an environmental evaluation of business and technology; biotechnology and transgenics in agriculture and aquaculture; and the environmental ethics of the ancient Greeks and Kant. Living in Integrity is a valuable book for philosophers and environmentalists alike. Review Living in Integrity is Professor Westra's sequel to her previous book An Environmental Proposal for Ethics, based upon the principles of ecological integrity. In this book, she meticulously spells out the practical and policy decisions which follow from the 'principle of integrity.' Westra persuasively argues that anthropocentric approaches are inadequate to effectively deal with the environmental crisis--that a shift to an ecocentric perspective will be necessary.--George Sessions, editor, Deep Ecology for the 21st Century In displaying so graphically the social, political, and institutional dimensions of the problems which lie beneath the 'environmental' label, Laura Westra performs a signal service. She presses home some uncomfortable questions and offers challenging and honest answers. She debates an impressive range of issues in a manner at once vigorous and resourceful. Her judgments are forthright and unclouded. This is an enriching and rewarding book to read.--Alan Holland, Emeritus Professor, Lancaster University "From The Foreword " From Aristotle to aquaculture, Plato to petroleum, the sweep of this book is amazing. Westra places current concerns about the environment in the context of the great theories of moral philosophy, leading the reader to a deeper understanding of both.--Mark Sagoff, Institute of Philosophy and Public Policy, University of Maryland This book is bold and provocative.--Robyn Eckersley, University of Melbourne "Political Studies Review " This is a work rich in ideas . . . it is certainly stimulating to have the ecocentric position stated in such a forthright manner.--Ian Thompson, School of Architecture, Planning & Landscape "Journal of Environmental Planning & Management " Living in Integrity is a useful and challenging addition to literature.--W. Ouderkirk, Suny Empire State College "CHOICE, October 1998, Vol. 36, N0.2 " This is a most enlightening book on the development of ecology as a branch of science which uses a thorough and original analytical approach to show us the complex relationship between the science and society over the last fifty years. It is therefore highly recommended reading not only for biologists and science historians, but also for anyone involved in social sciences who has an interest in environmental politics.--Angel Valencia Saiz, Malaga University "Environmental Politics " Westra's book offers both a candid assessment of and challenging solutions to environmental ills.--Mark S. Halfon, Nassau Community College "Environmental Ethics " About the Author Laura Westra is professor emerita of philosophy at the University of Windsor and the author or editor of numerous books, including An Environmental Proposal for Ethics (Rowman & Littlefield, 1994), Faces of Environmental Racism (Rowman & Littlefield, 1995), Perspectives on Ecological Integrity (Kluwer), The Greeks and the Environment (Rowman & Littlefield, 1997) and Technology and Values (Rowman & Littlefield, 1998). Bill Lawson is professor of philosophy at Michigan State University.