Ethics of Consumption

Scholars in diverse fields now agree on the importance of investigating the impact of consumption practices on the global environment quality of life and international justice. In this comprehensive collection of essays most of which appear for the first time eminent scholars from many disciplines-philosophy economics sociology political science demography theology history and social psychology-examine the causes nature and consequences of present-day consumption patterns in the United States and throughout the world. Specifically the essays evaluate the impact of consumption practices on our own lives our institutions other people and the environment. The contributors give explicit attention to the principles relevant for a consumption ethic as well as to the policies and practices that such an ethic permits or requires. These engaging jargon-free essays frame the problem of consumption in a variety of ways challenging readers to see the issue from new perspectives. For scholars and students from across the disciplines as well as for environmental and consumer activists this volume will serve as the touchstone for discussions of consumption and global stewardship.