Ecofeminist Philosophy [Paperback]

Karen J. Warren (Author)

Book Description

Series: Studies in Social, Political, and Legal Philosophy | Publication Date: October 2000

How are the unjustified dominations of women and other humans connected to the unjustified domination of animals and nonhuman nature? What are the characteristics of oppressive conceptual frameworks and systems of unjustified domination? How does an ecofeminist perspective help one understand issues of environmental and social justice? In this important new work, Karen J. Warren answers these and other questions from a Western perspective. Warren looks at the variety of positions in ecofeminism, the distinctive nature of ecofeminist philosophy, ecofeminism as an ecological position, and other aspects of the movement to reveal its significance to both understanding and creatively changing patriarchal (and other) systems of unjustified domination.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Warren has provided a useful book for feminist and environmental philosophy instruction. She makes a number of interesting arguments in very accessible ways in chapters on vegeterianism, social justice, spirituality, and ecofeminism as a particularly Western philosophical movement. This informative overview and set of arguments about ecofeminism as a productive philosophical and social movement is a very useful resource for academic libraries. (Choice Magazine )

Warren is a key thinker in this field, and the philosophical enquiry here is exemplary in its detail: terms are rigorously defined, arguments move by careful and clearly indicated steps, and the material is presented with painstaking care for thorough explanation. (Feminist Theory )

This is a welcome project, as a philosophically inclined yet accessible introductory book on ecofeminism is long overdue, and especially welcome from an established ecofeminist. (Environmental Values )

This book is highly recommended especially for those who believe that ecofeminism has a lot to offer in guiding attempts to reach a greener society. (Environmental Politics )

A well-organized explication of the ideology that perpetuates the domination of women and nature. It would make an excellent introductory textbook for a class on environmental philosophy, feminist studies, or ecofeminism. It is clear and concise. Because of its accessible style, the book will serve particularly well as an introduction to ecofeminism. Finally, because of the discussions regarding moral pluralism and the reconciliation of holism with individualism, the book also captures a somewhat higher level of intellectual interest. Ecofeminist Philosphy embodies a rare blend of accessibility and wide-ranging synthesis of debates in the field. Even more rare is her analysis opening onto avenues for further inquiry, which renders the book highly recommendable for almost anyone to read, whether student, philosopher, feminist, environmentalist, or simply the curious. (Nwsa Journal )

A treasure tove of discussions in ecofeminist philosophy that people will draw on for years to come. (Ethics )

About the Author

Karen J. Warren is professor of philosophy at Macalester College.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (October 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 084769299X
• ISBN-13: 978-0847692996
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #173,774 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #78 in Books > Science & Math > Environment > Environmentalism

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ecofeminist Philosophy, September 17, 2001

By 

wendell bradley (Windsor, CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ecofeminist Philosophy (Paperback)

ECOFEMINIST PHILOSOPHY
A WESTERN PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS
By Karen J. Warren

A Review by Wendell G. Bradley

Warren calls herself a `street philosopher'. And, true to her calling, this professor of philosophy at Macalester College reaches the ordinary reader on important issues.

Ordinary philosophy is already superseded in chapter one entitled: `Nature is a Feminist Issue'. Women, world-wide, are shown to experience environmental harm disproportionately. And, they are organizing, as women, against related dominations.

For Warren, dominations tend to follow whenever (allegedly) ethically relevant hierarchies designate their `others' as inferiors. Subordinations, however, have to be first justified by `a logic of domination'. Humans, for example, might be deemed superior to nature because they have the ability to manipulate it. But, without a logic of domination, `superiority' could just as well lead to stewardship.

Patriarchy provides our current logic of domination. Under its conceptual framework, men become associated with reason and volition (read: intelligence and public roles). The result is a prevailing male-other bias that links women and nature--women too naturally something, to be allowed this or that. Accordingly, Warren recognizes both gender and ecology as good points of departure for an environmental ethic, hence ecofeminism.

Warren begins her `quilting' of an ecofeminist philosophy in chapter three. Here, she masterfully interrogates and reconceptualizes the reductive and essentialist rationality of today's male-other bias. Various belief examinations arise from the `cognitive dissonances' she brings to light in an examined patriarchy. At a minimum our loss of ecological integrity has required justification via a logic of domination. Our human spirit, however, can become caring enough to resist oppressions and destructions, especially in one's home place.

Accordingly, Warren introduces a `care-sensitive' ethic. It is characterized by a `loving eye' that focuses on a contextual orientation, a more optimistic understanding of self, an inclusivist ethical pluralism, incorporations of emotional intelligence, and a nonprivileging social justice. Through our spiritual ability to care, these qualities combine to make nature `morally deserving'. Thus, Warren's care-sensitive ethic makes a fundamental contribution to a possible ecological flourishing.

The idea of ecofeminism, itself, is not particularly new, but Warren's insights, clarifications and arguments are. Her overall philosophical synthesis is both refreshing and convincing.

Wendell G. Bradley, is a retired professor of Human Ecology and author of `The Gift of Morality'.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ecofeminsit Philosophy, September 15, 2001

By 

wendell bradley (Windsor, CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ecofeminist Philosophy (Paperback)

ECOFEMINIST PHILOSOPHY
A WESTERN PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS

By Karen J. Warren
Rowman and Littlefield, 230 pages
A Review by Wendell G. Bradley

Warren calls herself a street philosopher. And, true to her calling, this professor of philosophy at Macalester College reaches the ordinary reader on important issues.

Ordinary philosophy is already superseded in chapter one entitled: Nature is a Feminist Issue. Women, world-wide, are shown to experience environmental harm disproportionately. And, they are organizing, as women, against related dominations.

For Warren, dominations tend to follow whenever (allegedly) ethically relevant hierarchies designate their others as inferiors. Subordinations, however, have to be first justified by a logic of domination. Humans, for example, might be deemed superior to nature because they have the ability to manipulate it. But, without a logic of domination, superiority could just as well lead to stewardship.

Patriarchy provides our current logic of domination. Under its conceptual framework, men become associated with reason and volition (read: intelligence and public roles). The result is a prevailing male-other bias that links women and nature--women too naturally something, to be allowed this or that. Accordingly, Warren recognizes both gender and ecology as good points of departure for an environmental ethic, hence ecofeminism.

Warren begins her quilting of an ecofeminist philosophy in chapter three. Here, she masterfully interrogates and reconceptualizes the reductive and essentialist rationality of todays male-other bias. Various belief examinations arise from the cognitive dissonances she brings to light in an examined patriarchy. At a minimum our loss of ecological integrity has required justification via a logic of domination. Our human spirit, however, can become caring enough to resist oppressions and destructions, especially in ones home place.

Accordingly, Warren introduces a care-sensitive ethic. It is characterized by a loving eye that focuses on a contextual orientation, a more optimistic understanding of self, an inclusivist ethical pluralism, incorporations of emotional intelligence, and a nonprivileging social justice. Through our spiritual ability to care, these qualities combine to make nature morally deserving. Thus, Warrens care-sensitive ethic makes a fundamental contribution to a possible ecological flourishing.

The idea of ecofeminism, itself, is not particularly new, but Warrens insights, clarifications and arguments are. Her overall philosophical synthesis is both refreshing and convincing.

Wendell G. Bradley, is a retired professor of Human Ecology and author of The Gift of Morality . He lives in Colorado.

5.0 out of 5 stars Ecofeminist philosophy, July 25, 2011

By 

Natthanij Soonsawad (Denver, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ecofeminist Philosophy (Paperback)

One of my most favorite books ever! Dr. Warren gave the great examples esp. when she addressed about her feeling while rock climbing and the connection with nature. I could picture it deeply. I felt peaceful and appreciated. Thank you for the excellent piece of work.