Conceiving an Alternative

Philosophical Resources for an Ecological Civilization

By: Demian Wheeler (Editor), David Conner (Editor)

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Paperback | 11 April 2019

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328 Pages

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22.86 x 15.24 x 1.75

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The essays in this volume are not limited to any single theme or subject. Some of the chapters are focused on the impact of various philosophical perspectives on environmentalism. Others roam into issues of Western philosophy stretching all the way from Plato and Aristotle to Bergson and Whitehead. Notwithstanding this diversity of topics, all of the authors attempt in varying ways to draw conclusions that are relevant to a renewed commitment to the health of planet Earth.

It is the underlying contention of these authors that philosophy can help us respond imaginatively, constructively, and creatively to the ecological issues of our age. How? For one thing, our deep-seated and often unnoticed presuppositions about the nature of reality have direct bearing on our attitudes and actions, and philosophy can help us bring those presuppositions to light and think critically about them. What is more, philosophy can help us formulate and defend more adequate, plausible, and beneficial outlooks on the natural world and the place of human beings within the community of all earthly creatures.

The shared goal of all the chapters is to find new philosophical and theological inspiration as we human creatures seek to respond imaginatively, constructively, and creatively to the ecological issues of our age, recognizing that we desperately need to conceive an alternative to the pervasive worldviews that have led our civilization to the brink of catastrophe.

Industry Reviews

For anyone concerned about a global ecological crisis that is no longer looming but appears to have arrived, this book will offer a timely and valuable reading experience. Whitehead's ideas supply a focal point, but the interpretations of his thought included here are quite diverse; nor is the subject matter of this book limited to Whitehead or even to process philosophy in general. No single "alternative" to traditional ways of thinking about nature and our human place in it is defended in these pages, but a great many possibilities are sketched and entertained. Originating in a lively 2015 gathering of philosophers in Claremont, California, this remarkable collection of essays should ensure that the important conversation initiated there will continue. Michael L. Raposa, Professor of Religion Studies and the E. W. Fairchild Professor of American Studies, Lehigh University

One glance at the list of authors collected in Conceiving an Alternativeconvinced me I had to read it. Happily, they do not all agree on the proper interpretation of Whitehead, but they all provide a fresh and timely perspective on the varieties of naturalism and process thought available for creating an "ecological civilization." Demian Wheeler and David Conner have produced an exciting collection. Nancy Frankenberry, John Phillips Professor in Religion Emeritus, Dartmouth College

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