Review by Choice Review
In this tightly argued book, Malnes models his proposed method for dealing with environmental dilemmas, applying it to the issue of global climate change. He maintains an anthropocentric viewpoint throughout, and in the final chapter he rejects ecological ethics as "motivationally inaccessible to almost everyone." It is surprising that he discusses so little recent environmental philosophy (e.g., Mark Sagoff's writings are relevant here). Still, both ecocentrists and those interested in clear methods to resolve environmental problems will find this a challenging, well-developed book. After determining whether the risks are real, the method proposes and defends norms to guide deliberations about resolving dilemmas. Malnes's norms are a series of consequentialist principles based on a theory of human interests. He supplements his central "priority" principle (a prohibition against "depriving someone of the means of meeting vital needs") with other principles covering hard cases, especially those where there is ignorance about the outcomes. Along the way, he also provides brief, provocative consideration of pertinent questions in ethical theory and related issues (e.g., partiality, realism, moral intuitions, rights of future generations). Demanding and refreshing clarity and directness. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals. W. Ouderkirk SUNY Empire State College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
