Spinoza and Deep Ecology: Challenging Traditional Approaches to Environmentalism(Ashgate New Critical Thinking in Philosophy)

Spinoza and Deep Ecology explores the philosophical, psychological and political assumptions that underpin a concern for nature, offering specific suggestions how the domination of humans and nature may be overcome. It is primarily intended as an introduction to the philosophy of ecology, known as deep ecology, and to the way Spinoza's philosophy has been put to this aim. Only a self-realisation, along the lines of Spinoza's philosophy, can afford a philosophy of care which is inclusive of humans and the non-human world, which recognises the need for civil laws and democratic politics for human flourishing. In stark contrast to texts written by or on behalf of deep ecologists, Spinoza and Deep Ecology is not afraid of criticising existing versions of deep ecology which fail to accept that human concerns are integral to environmental issues.

Table of Contents:
Contents: Preface; Abbreviations of Spinoza's texts; Deep Ecology: Introduction: defining deep ecology; Deep ecology vs. environmental ethics: An integrated philosophy of care; The ethics of nature; Self-realisation: the heart of deep ecology: The nature of the self; The non-moral self; Spinoza: The metaphysics of nature: The aim of metaphysics; From metaphysics to ethics; Spinoza and deep ecology: Self analysis; The metaphysics of love; The social and political self: The politics of harm; The ideal civil state; Concluding remarks; Bibliography; Index.

Review :
'Ultimately the book does an excellent and thorough job of acquainting the reader with issues that distinguish Deep Ecology from Environmental Ethics while throwing doubts on the ability of Deep Ecology to do so.' South Pacific - Journal of Philosophy and Culture 'Anyone looking for good secondary material on Spinoza can add Chapters 3 and 4, "The Metaphysics of Nature" and "Spinoza and Deep Ecology" (esp. the section, "The Metaphysics of Love") to her reading list. Very impressive for a newly-minted scholar. This section serves well the on-going debate in environmental philosophy as to the appropriateness of Spinoza as mascot.' Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews 'De Jong offers an original, interesting, reading of Spinoza which aims to combine textual accuracy with relevance to contemporary environmental thought. The book is clearly written and organised, aimed at a professional audience of environmental philosophers. The exposition of Spinoza is non-technical, and should be helpful for those unfamiliar with his philosophy.' Environmental Values