Ecology and Historical Materialism by Jonathan Hughes
This book challenges the widely-held view that Marxism is unable to deal adequately with environmental problems. Jonathan Hughes considers the nature of environmental problems, and the evaluative perspectives that may be brought to bear on them. He examines Marx's critique of Malthus, his method, and his materialism, interpreting the latter as a recognition of human dependence on nature. Central to the book's argument is an interpretation of the 'development of the productive forces' which takes account of the differing ecological impacts of different productive technologies while remaining consistent with the normative and explanatory roles that this concept plays within Marx's theory. Turning finally to Marx's vision of a society founded on the communist principle 'to each according to his needs', the author concludes that the underlying notion of human need is one whose satisfaction presupposes only a modest and ecologically feasible expansion of productive output.
"..few theorists have conducted an in-depth analysis of Marx's work to clearly articulate his approach to ecological questions. Analytical Marxism has been largely silent on this issue, until Hughes' Ecology and Historical Materialism. He provides a basis for expanding Marxism on theoretical grounds, while revealing how Marx's work yields necessary insights for ecology." Science and Society
"Hughes' argument is logically compelling and his approach is original." Environmental Ethics
"Hughes' argument is logically compelling and his approach is original." Environmental Ethics
Jonathan Hughes has taught at the University of East Anglia, University of Roehampton and the Oxford Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies. He is a guest lecturer at the Exeter Centre for the Study of Esotericism. His books include Pastors and Visionaries: Religion and Secular Life in Late Medieval Yorkshire; The Religious Life of Richard III and Arthurian Myths and Alchemy: the Kingship of Edward IV .
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780521660907 |
| ISBN 10 | 0521660904 |
| Title | Ecology and Historical Materialism |
| Author | Jonathan Hughes |
| Series | Studies In Marxism And Social Theory |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
| Year published | 2000-06-26 |
| Number of pages | 230 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |