The value of species / Edward L. McCord.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

McCord, Edward LeRoy.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Environmental ethics.

Species.

Biodiversity.

Extinction (Biology).

Nature--Effect of human beings on.

Nature.

Environmental policy.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (185 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

New Haven : Yale University Press, c2012.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

In the face of accelerating extinctions across the globe, what ought we to do? Amid this sea of losses, what is our responsibility? How do we assess the value of nonhuman species? In this clear-spoken, passionate book, naturalist and philosopher Edward L. McCord explores urgent questions about the destruction of species and provides a new framework for appreciating and defending every form of life.The book draws insights from philosophy, ethics, law, and biology to arrive at a new way of thinking about the value of each species on earth. With meticulous reasoning, McCord demonstrates that the inherent value of species to humanity is intellectual: individual species are phenomena of such intellectual moment-so interesting in their own right-that they rise above other values and merit enduring human embrace. The author discusses the threats other species confront and delineates the challenges involved in creating any kind of public instrument to protect species. No other scholar has advocated on behalf of biodiversity with such eloquence and passion, and none provides greater inspiration to defend nonhuman forms of life.

Contents:

Front matter

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1. To an Inquisitive Mind Open to Honest Reflection, the Value of Every Species Is Incalculable

Chapter 2. The Intellectual Value of Species to Humans Stems from Our Unique Character

Chapter 3. The Fate of Life on Earth Hinges on Property Values

Chapter 4. Humans Are Poised to Destroy the Resources of a World of Bountiful Interest

Chapter 5. Property Ownership and the Desire for Money Work Against the Interests of Species

Chapter 6. Free Market Environmentalism Places Profits Above the Public Interest

Chapter 7. Species Have No Direct Claim for Consideration in an Ethical Community

Chapter 8. What Kind of Humanity Do We Embrace?

Afterword

Notes

Index

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-280-57132-2

9786613600929

0-300-18348-8

OCLC:

784953779