Loving Nature

Towards an Ecology of Emotion

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology
Cover of the book Loving Nature by Kay Milton, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Kay Milton ISBN: 9781134525386
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: September 1, 2003
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Kay Milton
ISBN: 9781134525386
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: September 1, 2003
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

As the full effects of human activity on Earth's life-support systems are revealed by science, the question of whether we can change, fundamentally, our relationship with nature becomes increasingly urgent. Just as important as an understanding of our environment, is an understanding of ourselves, of the kinds of beings we are and why we act as we do. In Loving Nature Kay Milton considers why some people in Western societies grow up to be nature lovers, actively concerned about the welfare and future of plants, animals, ecosystems and nature in general, while others seem indifferent or intent on destroying these things. Drawing on findings and ideas from anthropology, psychology, cognitive science and philosophy, the author discusses how we come to understand nature as we do, and above all, how we develop emotional commitments to it. Anthropologists, in recent years, have tended to suggest that our understanding of the world is shaped solely by the culture in which we live. Controversially Kay Milton argues that it is shaped by direct experience in which emotion plays an essential role. The author argues that the conventional opposition between emotion and rationality in western culture is a myth. The effect of this myth has been to support a market economy which systematically destroys nature, and to exclude from public decision making the kinds of emotional attachments that support more environmentally sensitive ways of living. A better understanding of ourselves, as fundamentally emotional beings, could give such ways of living the respect they need.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

As the full effects of human activity on Earth's life-support systems are revealed by science, the question of whether we can change, fundamentally, our relationship with nature becomes increasingly urgent. Just as important as an understanding of our environment, is an understanding of ourselves, of the kinds of beings we are and why we act as we do. In Loving Nature Kay Milton considers why some people in Western societies grow up to be nature lovers, actively concerned about the welfare and future of plants, animals, ecosystems and nature in general, while others seem indifferent or intent on destroying these things. Drawing on findings and ideas from anthropology, psychology, cognitive science and philosophy, the author discusses how we come to understand nature as we do, and above all, how we develop emotional commitments to it. Anthropologists, in recent years, have tended to suggest that our understanding of the world is shaped solely by the culture in which we live. Controversially Kay Milton argues that it is shaped by direct experience in which emotion plays an essential role. The author argues that the conventional opposition between emotion and rationality in western culture is a myth. The effect of this myth has been to support a market economy which systematically destroys nature, and to exclude from public decision making the kinds of emotional attachments that support more environmentally sensitive ways of living. A better understanding of ourselves, as fundamentally emotional beings, could give such ways of living the respect they need.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Fundamentals of Descriptive Statistics by Kay Milton
Cover of the book The Structure and Reform of Direct Taxation (Routledge Revivals) by Kay Milton
Cover of the book Digital Transactions in Asia by Kay Milton
Cover of the book Quality of the Environment by Kay Milton
Cover of the book Thebes by Kay Milton
Cover of the book Narrating Architecture by Kay Milton
Cover of the book Bodily Communication by Kay Milton
Cover of the book Asylums by Kay Milton
Cover of the book Exploring Developmental Theories by Kay Milton
Cover of the book The Numerate Manager by Kay Milton
Cover of the book Cognitive Developments in Economics by Kay Milton
Cover of the book Communes and Despots in Medieval and Renaissance Italy by Kay Milton
Cover of the book The Anthropocene Debate and Political Science by Kay Milton
Cover of the book Losing Labour's Soul? by Kay Milton
Cover of the book Michael Chekhov by Kay Milton
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy