The Philosophy of Ecology
An Introduction

Introduces the philosophical issues which ecology poses about the biological world and the environmental sciences attempting to protect it.

James Justus (Author)

9781107040045, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 10 June 2021

240 pages
25 x 17.7 x 1.5 cm, 0.56 kg

'Recommended.' J. Burger, Choice Magazine

Ecology is indispensable to understanding the biological world and addressing the environmental problems humanity faces. Its philosophy has never been more important. In this book, James Justus introduces readers to the philosophically rich issues ecology poses. Besides its crucial role in biological science generally, climate change, biodiversity loss, and other looming environmental challenges make ecology's role in understanding such threats and identifying solutions to them all the more critical. When ecology is applied and its insights marshalled to address these problems and guide policy formation, interesting philosophical issues emerge. Justus sets them out in detail, and explores the often ethically charged dimensions of applied ecological science, using accessible language and a wealth of scientifically-informed examples.

Introduction: Why Philosophy of Ecology?
1. The Ecological Niche
2. Distinctively Ecological Laws and the Reality of Biological Communities
3. The Balance of Nature
4. Modeling in Ecology: Representation and Reduction
5. Biodiversity
6. Progress in Applied Ecology
7. Fact and Value in Applied Ecology.

Subject Areas: Social impact of environmental issues [RNT], Applied ecology [RNC], Environmentalist thought & ideology [RNA], The environment [RN], Social & political philosophy [HPS], Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ], Philosophy [HP]