Customer Reviews

Ethics of Climate Change: Right and Wrong in a Warming World (Think Now)

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In today's avalanche of books and manuals on climate change who all want to be your best friend and show you `THE truth', this book stands out not only for its refreshing outlook but also for its crystal clear facts. The author has evidently done his homework, and not just on Aquinas or Aristotle but also on the tangible scientific data which is the only way for us to have an objective look at today's situation ; this is truly a multi-disciplinary effort.

Let me put it simply, this book is a very straight-forward, well-written and rather different (at least when it came out) approach to the issues of climate change. Rather than guilt-tripping us into saving the Earth (which has largely been the media's strategy) for economical, scientific or 'just-because-we-say-you-should' reasons, James Garvey presents a variety of interesting arguments mainly, but not exclusively-sourced in the field of moral philosophy through topics like choice, government, responsibility (to name a few). The question presented here isn't so much `is global warming our fault ?' but, `why should we care and where does the responsibility lie ?'

Having read some of the author's previous works, I would further emphasize how well-written this work is and add that of the many philosophy books I have read, his writing is never pompous and he doesn't resort to sensationalist claims (he doesn't need to anyway), making the topics he researches, deeply enjoyable explorations for the reader.

The book thankfully falls short of becoming another of those 'the idiot's guide to...'/pop-philosophy books which are sometimes far too simplistic. Nevertheless, the author's arguments are informed by good examples which can make sense today, to those who aren't always well-versed in philosophical debates and issues, while still captivating the interest of those who are.

While this is clearly a call to action, don't expect 180 pages of brainwashing.

A worthy read and purchase which I recommend, even to those who are dubious about climate change, its cause and whether or not it is truely going on.

Garvey's writing style is like having a conversation with a good friend. Humors at times, the book is written in clear language that is both accessible and absorbing. The first part of the book gives a salient overview of what climate change actually is. A few well-chosen scientific findings are presented that clearly show climate change is happening and furthermore is linked directly to the activities of post industrial revolution humankind. This allows Garvey to establish credibility for the arguments presented in the second half of the book. Once this link has been firmly established, the moral and ethical implications are compelling and engaging.

Accessible in terms of the science of climate change and the ethics. A bit too wonkish for the public in terms of ethical reasoning -- seemed more like an ethics course lecture in places. I am an ethics teacher and if I were teaching a course this book would be considered as a text.

I enjoyed the book. The author has good insights and a keen ability of helping the reader understand the ethical dilemma of American consumption and entitlement issues.