Radical Ecology: The Search for a Livable World (Revolutionary Thought and Radical Movements) [Hardcover]

Carolyn Merchant (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 14, 1992 | ISBN-10: 0415906504 | ISBN-13: 978-0415906500

Radical Ecology responds to the profound awareness of vironmental crisis which prevails in this closing decade of the twentieth century. Carolyn Merchant examines the major philosophical, ethical, scientific and economic roots of environmental problems and identifies the ways in which radical ecologists can transform science and society in order to sustain life. Laws, regulations and scientific research alone cannot reverse the spread of pollution or restore our dwindling resources. Merchant argues that in order to maintain a liveable world, we must formulate new social, economic, scientific and spiritual approaches that will transform human relationships with nature. She analyses the revolutionary ideas of visionary ecologists, at the forefront of social change and assesses their efforts to bring environmental problems to the attention of the public.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Radical Ecology is crucial reading for anyone concerned with the liberation of human beings and the earth and the relationships between these projects." - Ynestra King, New School for Social Research

'Radical Ecology provides an excellent overview of ideas and practices aimed at finding solutions to very pressing issues facing the world today.' - Human Ecology (2007) Frank R Thomas 

 

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Carolyn Merchant is Professor of Environmental History, Philosophy and Ethics in the Department of Conservation and Resource Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. She is the author of The Death of Nature: Women, Ecology, and the Scientific Revolution and Ecological Revolutions: Nature, Gender, and Science in New England. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (August 14, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415906504
• ISBN-13: 978-0415906500
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,755,874 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Handy overview, December 28, 2000

By 

Douglas Doepke (Claremont, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Radical Ecology: The Search for a Livable World (Revolutionary Thought and Radical Movements) (Hardcover)

Merchant has written a handy introduction to ecological problems and issues from a radical perspective. A medium-sized book, 240 pages, the author nonetheless manages to encompass major topics of concern, such as deep ecology, social ecology, spiritual ecology, science and world views, ecofeminism, and others, all of which are presented in clear and understandable language. Of course, in-depth discussion should not be expected from a work of this size and scope. Still, each chapter includes a helpful bibliography for those interested in further research.

Radical ecology is explained in the introduction as "... the cutting edge of social ecology...(pushing) social and ecological systems toward new patterns of production, reproduction, and consciousness that will improve the quality of human life and the natural environment." Clearly, Merchant does not believe that mere adjustments to the present global system can remedy centuries of growth-driven industrialization. Fresh ideas are needed as new realities emerge - fresh ways of living with nature, with each other, and with ourselves. In short, new frameworks for sustaining life on the planet have become unavoidable. The book's aim is to provide the reader with a strong sense of those conceptual frameworks currently available. Whatever your persuasion, Merchant's volume is a lively and provocative introduction to what may well be the onset of a new age.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good intro to environmentalism, August 24, 2002

By 

K Scheffler (Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Radical Ecology: The Search for a Livable World (Revolutionary Thought and Radical Movements) (Hardcover)

Radical Ecology is an overview of the environmental movement and the social and economic forces that gave rise to it. The book is divided into three parts. The first deals with the nature of the global ecological crisis. In the second part, the author focuses on three schools of thought in the environmental movement: Deep Ecology, Spiritual Ecology, and Social Ecology. Lastly is discussed the movements that have grown out of these schools of thought, namely, Green politics, Ecofeminism and Sustainable Development.

While Radical Ecology is not lacking in information and insight, it really is little more than an overview and therefore does not discuss in depth any of the issues covered. It is therefore a work best suited for those who simply want an introduction to environmentalism.