Metaphors for environmental sustainability : redefining our relationship with nature / Brendon Larson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Larson, Brendon.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Nature--Effect of human beings on.

Nature.

Sustainability.

Metaphor.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (224 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

New Haven, Conn. : Yale University Press, 2011.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Scientists turn to metaphors to formulate and explain scientific concepts, but an ill-considered metaphor can lead to social misunderstandings and counterproductive policies, Brendon Larson observes in this stimulating book. He explores how metaphors can entangle scientific facts with social values and warns that, particularly in the environmental realm, incautious metaphors can reinforce prevailing values that are inconsistent with desirable sustainability outcomes. Metaphors for Environmental Sustainability draws on four case studies-two from nineteenth-century evolutionary science, and two from contemporary biodiversity science-to reveal how metaphors may shape the possibility of sustainability. Arguing that scientists must assume greater responsibility for their metaphors, and that the rest of us must become more critically aware of them, the author urges more critical reflection on the social dimensions and implications of metaphors while offering practical suggestions for choosing among alternative scientific metaphors.

Contents:

Front matter

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

I. Metaphor and Sustainability

II. Progress A Web of Science and Society

III. Competitive Facts and Capitalist Values

IV. Engaging the Metaphoric Web

V. When Scientists Promote

VI. Advocating with Fear

VII. Seeking Sustainable Metaphors

VIII. Wisdom and Metaphor

Notes

Bibliography

Index

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9786613150547

9781283150545

1283150549

9780300151541

0300151543

OCLC:

738478084