Review by Choice Review
In this book, much of which consists of previously published material, Treanor (Loyola Marymount Univ.) presents a case for narrative-induced virtue ethics as an approach to environmental ethics. He dismisses traditional utilitarian and deontological approaches as ineffective motivators in the area of environmental ethics. Notably, though, he does not examine the excellently argued deontological approach to environmental ethics in Paul Taylor's Respect for Nature (1986), nor does he sufficiently acknowledge the influence of Peter Singer's many writings on this topic from a utilitarian vantage point. A significant part of Treanor's book discusses "narrative theory" as developed by Paul Ricoeur and others. There is, indeed, rather too much use of narrative terminology, but very little actual illustration of narrative methodology as applied to virtue ethics and environmental issues. Also worth noting is that, despite Treanor's praise of and preference for narrative, his book does not itself employ this methodology. It relies on traditional rational philosophical argumentation to make its case. Copious notes, acceptable index, but no bibliography. --Paul A. Streveler, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
