The Ideal of Nature

<p>Going back at least to the writings of John Stuart Mill and Jean-Jacques Rousseau people have argued for and against maintaining a state of nature. Is there an inherent virtue in leaving alone a naturally occurring condition or does the human species thrive when we find ways to improve our circumstances? This volume probes whether nature and the natural are capable of guiding moral deliberations in policy making.</p><p>Drawing on philosophy religion and political science this book examines three questions central to debates over the idea of nature in human action. Conceptually it asks what the term means how it should be considered and if it is even in part a social construct. From a moral perspective the contributors question if being natural is itself of value or if its worth is only as a means to advance other morally acceptable ends. Politically essays discuss whether appeals to nature can and should affect public policy and if so whether they are moral trump cards or should instead be fitted alongside or weighed against other concerns. </p><p>Achieving consensus on these questions has proven elusive and seems unattainable. This should not however be an obstacle to moving the debate forward. By bringing together disparate approaches to addressing these concepts <i>The Ideal of Nature</i> suggests the possibility of intermediate positions that move beyond the usual full-throated defense and blanket dismissal found in much of the debate. Scholars of bioethics environmental philosophy religious studies sociology public policy and political theory will find much merit in this book's lively discussion.</p>