Alienation and Nature in Environmental Philosophy

by Simon A. Hailwood

Many environmental scientists, scholars and activists characterise our situation as one of alienation from nature, but this notion can easily seem meaningless or irrational. In this book, Simon Hailwood critically analyses the idea of alienation from nature and argues that it can be a useful notion when understood pluralistically. He distinguishes different senses of alienation from nature pertaining to different environmental contexts and concerns, and draws upon a range of philosophical and environmental ideas and themes including pragmatism, eco-phenomenology, climate change, ecological justice, Marxism and critical theory. His novel perspective shows that different environmental concerns - both anthropocentric and nonanthropocentric - can dovetail, rather than compete with, each other, and that our alienation from nature need not be something to be regretted or overcome. His book will interest a broad readership in environmental philosophy and ethics, political philosophy, geography and environmental studies.

Genres: Philosophy

278 pages, Hardcover

First published July 29, 2015

Reviews

[Rhys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book about how to approach environmental crises and, more generally, human relations with non-human nature. The focus is mainly on types of estrangement / alienation from nature and that some types of alienation are necessary so as not to instrumentalize all of nature.

I particularly enjoyed his focus on Evernden & Merleau-Ponty who I believe to be essential reading in trying to navigate this topic. I think Hailwood might have benefited by taking John Bellamy Foster's account of ecological rift and his critique of Benton into consideration.

Overall, however, Alienation and Nature in Environmental Philosophy is a welcome addition to the canon, and offers a sure grounding to address environmental challenges more pragmatically.

[Maryam AlSultan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides really great insights into ideas of alienation & estrangement. Granted you need to have some background in traditional philosophy [or you’ll find yourself googling, refeshing your mind about certain thinkers].

I only gave it 4 stars because it was a bit difficult to get through in terms of terminology & language, but 5 stars for the ideas proposed