Land, Value, Community

J. Baird Callicott is considered to be one of the central figures in the development of environmental philosophy. Ouderkirk (philosophy, State U. of New York Empire State College) and Hill (philosophy, Valdosta State U.) present 17 chapters criticizing separate aspects of Callicott's work. The degree and focus of the criticisms differ for each chapter, with some criticizing his land ethic that finds the right in the preservation and stability of a biotic community, others taking issue with his notion of the intrinsic (as opposed to instrumental) value of nonhuman nature, and still others finding problems with his derivation of metaphysical and ethical concepts from science. Finally, Callicott is provided a chapter in which to respond to his critics. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Wayne Ouderkirk is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Mentor at the State University of New York Empire State College, and Jim Hill is Professor of Philosophy at Valdosta State University.