This brief yet wide-ranging introduction to environmental ethics offers an overview of the major issues and schools of thought in the field. A discussion of basic concepts in ethical theory in Part I is followed by an application of these thoughts across a variety of major environmental problems (such as pollution, population, animals) in Part II. Part III introduces students to the major theories of environmental ethics in particular (including biocentrism, ecofeminism, and the land ethic). The final chapter offers a pragmatic approach to reconciling philosophical perspectives as a means to making progress in solving environmental problems.

Benefits:

• NEW! This edition features a new section on religion and environmental ethics, updated material on issues of population and consumption, an expanded discussion of ecofemnism, and an enhanced chapter on pragmatism and pluralism in moral theories.
• Not limiting itself to abstract theoretical discussions, the book maintains a vigilant regard for public policy and uses cases and empirical data to help students arrive at real-world understandings and solutions.
• Each chapter includes various tools to maintain student focus and prompt further explorations: an introductory essay and initial discussion questions followed up by end-of-chapter discussion questions and suggestions for further reading.
• Concise, well-edited readings make this subject accessible to students with no philosophical background.