Nature as Subject: Human Obligation and Natural Community

by Eric Katz and Eric Katz professor emeritus

Written by one of the instrumental figures in environmental ethics, Nature as Subject traces the development of an ethical policy that is centered not on human beings, but on itself. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0847683044
• ISBN13: 9780847683048
• Release Date: December 1996
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.8" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Undoubtedly worth the read.

An excellent intro to the field of environmental ethics, this book was certainly clearer than others of its ilk that I've attempted before. Katz's arguments leave few loose ends. Reading along, my thoughts would leap ahead to "But what about...?" or "Yes, but what you're saying implies...!", only to find those particular point(s) tied up by the end of the essay.There's no piece here too lengthy to read in one sitting, and no obscure jargon or vague arguments. Be warned, however: this book is more theoretical than applied ethics, and I was initially disappointed by this fact. But despite this, and despite the fact that you may disagree with the arguments used or conclusions reached by the author, the food-for-thought offered herein makes "Nature as Subject" well worth reading.

Excellent overview and introduction to environmental ethics.

Eric Katz is one of the founders of the field of environmental ethics. This excellent collection of his papers does a great job of introducing readers to the core themes and concepts in the field. Katz's particular contributions to the debates in environmental ethics are especially compelling. Even if you disagree with some of his views on specific topics (the morality of hunting, the idea of an ecosystem as a community, the merits of attempting to restore nature) you'll enjoy the stimulation of engaging with the author on these issues. Also, unlike many contemporary philosophers and theorists, Katz's writing is admirably clear and often enjoyable to read. The last two sections include some of the few papers yet written on Judaism and the environment, which alone justify getting a copy of this stimulating book.