Concepts and Values in Biodiversity

Dirk Lanzerath editor Minou Friele editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:23rd Jan '14

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Concepts and Values in Biodiversity cover

Biodiversity may refer to the diversity of genes, species or ecosystems in general. These varying concepts of biodiversity occasionally lead to conflicts among researchers and policy makers, as each of them require a customized type of protection strategy. This book addresses the questions surrounding the merits of conserving an existing situation, evolutionary development or the intentional substitution of one genome, species or ecosystem for another. Any practical steps towards the protection of biodiversity demand a definition of that which is to be protected and, in turn, the motivations for protecting biodiversity. Is biodiversity a necessary model which is also useful, or does it carry intrinsic value? Debates like this are particularly complex when interested parties address it from different conceptual and moral perspectives. Comprised of three parts, each complemented by a short introductory paragraph, this collection presents a variety of approaches to this challenge.

The chapters cover the perspectives of environmental scientists with expertise in evolutionary, environmental biology, systematic zoology and botany, as well as those of researchers with expertise in philosophy, ethics, politics, law and economics. This combination facilitates a truly interdisciplinary debate by highlighting hitherto unacknowledged implications that inform current academic and political debates on biodiversity and its protection. The book should be of interest to students and researchers of environment studies, biodiversity, environmental philosophy, ethics and management.

"[T]he book is most suitable for readers with the appropriate background and interest. It would be an excellent resource for policy makers, researchers, and students in various environmental disciplines. Summing Up: Recommended. Environmental sciences collections serving upper-division undergraduates through professionals/practitioners."K. R. Thompson, CHOICE, Ozarks Technical Community College

"The book offers plenty of food for thought and each contribution is extremely well-informed and informative...on the whole, this edited volume makes a valuable contribution to the study and practice of biodiversity, with all the authors offering their disciplinary and professional expertise."- Antje Brown, University of St Andrews, Enviromental Values, Volume 26, Number 2, April 2017

ISBN: 9780415660570

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 870g

380 pages