Main Currents in Western Environmental Thought

Main Currents in Western Environmental Thought provides an inclusive and balanced survey of the major issues debated by Western environmentalists over the last three decades. Peter Hay examines issues in philosophy, religion, politics, and economics as presented or criticized by environmentalists. Topics covered include the roots of environmental philosophy; the development of ecophilosophy, deep ecology, and ecofeminism; how religion relates to environmental values; environmentalists’ writings on science and epistemology; animal liberation; the role of place; the economic dimensions of environmental thought; environmental writing in various political traditions; and "green" writers’ critiques of political movements. The work draws from the disciplines of philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, and cultural studies. Clearly and accessibly written and including a comprehensive bibliography, Main Currents in Western Environmental Thought is well suited both as a handbook and guide to the large environmental literature and as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate courses in environmental studies

Peter Hay, Reader in Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Tasmania, is a well known Australian environmental thinker. He was founding convener of the Ecopolitics Association of Australasia and in 1989-90 was Senior Political Advisor to Australia's Minister for Environment and Planning during Tasmania's historic Labor-Green Accord government. His research interests include environmental thought, ecopolitics, the politics of biodiversity, and the cultural, social, economic, and environmental viability of small islands.