Customer Reviews

Being Human: Ethics, Environment, and Our Place in the World

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I cannot say enough positive things about this book. Peterson manages to give the reader a thorough and balanced sense of historical approaches to environmental ethics. She covers all sides of the issues both in Euro-American philosophy and in other cultural traditions. But what truly makes the book unusual and well worth reading is that instead of taking the easy route toward one extreme position or another she carefully parses out and recombines a subtle set of conclusions from her sources. This may also be what keeps her from getting the attention I feel she deserves. The academic world (and the public even moreso) is much more responsive to an extreme argument that can easily be paraphrased. Unfortunately the world isn't so easy.

Her writing style is fluid and clear, and I think that anyone with an interest in this subject, and a willingness to slow down and pay attention, will benefit and enjoy reading the book. I liked it so much I bought 2 extra copies to loan out.

This very useful book provides an overview of a whole host of attitudes toward the environment, and how humanity sees itself interacting with nature. For example, although buddhism seems environmentally friendly, Peterson points out that Asian cultures where Buddhist views are prevalent are not marked by less ecological degradation. Peterson analyzes the points of view she presents with care and honesty, and without a particular axe to grind. Actually, it was on the side of presenting an integrative alternative that I found this book less successful. Doesn't such breadth of reading and understanding help us find a way out of the quagmire?

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in environmental ethics, in developing environmental policies, and in understanding how we have got to the current-day problems. It provides a great overview of a range of fields to anyone who is concerned with specific problems, but wants to base solutions on a sound grounding.

Nicely written, too; not hard going. Really an admirable project.