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Integral Ecology - Uniting Multiple Perspectives on the Natural World (09) by PhD, Sean Esbjorn-Hargens - PhD, Michael E Zimmerman [Paperback (2011)]
Integral Ecology - Uniting Multiple Perspectives on the Natural World (09) by PhD, Sean Esbjorn-Hargens - PhD, Michael E Zimmerman [Paperback (2011)]
Paperback
First published March 10, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 9, 2009
I feel I must preface this review with a note that I am not an ecologist, environmental studies specialist, or educator in an environmentally related field. I am, however, quite familiar with integral theory as set out by Ken Wilber, as pertains to my own area of expertise. In addition to this, I have read a few of his articles that define and outline integral ecology.
Integral Ecology is an advanced text of study. It is suitable for those well read in either integral theory or environmental studies. It would likely be most useful as a advanced text in a university or college situation. The overall purpose of the book is to present the theory, show how it relates to environmental issues, and then integrate this new way of looking at potential issues into actual study.
In this way, the first part of the book presents Ken Wilber`s integral theory. I think the authors do a very good job of summarizing and clarifying this somewhat confusing and complex topic. Explained in the most simplistic terms, this philosophy recognizes that everyone has their own perspective and this perspective colors the way that each person views a particular situation. In this way, some may see an environmental calamity whereas others might not even see an issue. It’s not as simply as educating others on such issues.
Parts two, three, and four, build upon the information presented in the previous section. Part two moves into more explanation of integral ecology, specifically framework definition and concepts that are important to grasp before moving onto more depth in the next section. Section three then examines how integral ecology would change the way environmental issues would be studied. Finally, the last portion of the book provides a number of interesting and informative case studies which not only illustrate this method of study in real life use but also help to further clarify issues and concepts.
Integral Ecology is an advanced text of study. It is suitable for those well read in either integral theory or environmental studies. It would likely be most useful as a advanced text in a university or college situation. The overall purpose of the book is to present the theory, show how it relates to environmental issues, and then integrate this new way of looking at potential issues into actual study.
In this way, the first part of the book presents Ken Wilber`s integral theory. I think the authors do a very good job of summarizing and clarifying this somewhat confusing and complex topic. Explained in the most simplistic terms, this philosophy recognizes that everyone has their own perspective and this perspective colors the way that each person views a particular situation. In this way, some may see an environmental calamity whereas others might not even see an issue. It’s not as simply as educating others on such issues.
Parts two, three, and four, build upon the information presented in the previous section. Part two moves into more explanation of integral ecology, specifically framework definition and concepts that are important to grasp before moving onto more depth in the next section. Section three then examines how integral ecology would change the way environmental issues would be studied. Finally, the last portion of the book provides a number of interesting and informative case studies which not only illustrate this method of study in real life use but also help to further clarify issues and concepts.
June 16, 2014
typical integral writing - verbose, sometimes repetitive and gratuitous, and often insightful/mind-opening; very useful for someone working on environmental/ecological issues, and (just as the title implies) learning to work with the varied perspectives of different stakeholders with respect, grace, and critical discernment
November 23, 2017
A revolution in philosophy and anthropology.
Masterpiece of our age.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews