The Natural and the Artefactual

The Implications of Deep Science and Deep Technology for Environmental Philosophy

Keekok Lee author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Lexington Books

Published:10th Jun '99

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

The Natural and the Artefactual cover

In The Natural and the Artefactual, Keekok Lee critiques environmentalism's assumptions, arguing that modernization has reshaped our understanding of nature and its value.

In The Natural and the Artefactual, philosopher Keekok Lee presents a critical examination of contemporary environmentalism's prevailing assumptions. The book challenges the notion that reducing or eliminating pollution could effectively 'save' the planet without significantly impacting our modern, industrialized societies. Lee argues that the process of modernization, with its focus on technological advancements, has transformed 'nature' into a mere human-made 'artefact.' This perspective invites readers to reconsider the relationship between humanity and the natural world.

Lee delves into the implications of this transformation, questioning whether nature holds intrinsic value beyond human interests. He explores various dimensions of this value, including aesthetic, spiritual, and biological considerations. By doing so, The Natural and the Artefactual encourages a reevaluation of environmental ethics, suggesting that our understanding of what constitutes 'nature' must evolve alongside societal changes.

The book posits two distinct ontological categories: the 'natural' and the 'artefactual.' Lee argues that natural entities, whether living organisms or inanimate matter, possess moral significance due to their inherent independence. In contrast, artefacts are defined as creations that serve human purposes. This distinction lays the groundwork for a more nuanced approach to environmental ethics, prompting readers to reflect on the moral implications of our relationship with both natural and artefactual entities.

Lee has undoubtedly contributed to the ongoing philosophical discussion about the relation between the axiological and the ontological status of nature. * Environmental Values *
This is an impressive book... there is much of value here. * Environmental Ethics *
Philosophically wide-ranging and scholarly, this book maintains that environmental philosophy must begin with ontology rather than axiology and expand its concerns to include abiotic nature....Interesting for its attempt to keep humans and the nonhuman connected while acknowledging differences. * CHOICE *

ISBN: 9780739100615

Dimensions: 235mm x 157mm x 22mm

Weight: 567g

300 pages