Metaphors for Environmental Sustainability: Redefining Our Relationship with NatureDIVScientists turn to metaphors to formulate and explain scientific concepts, but an ill-considered metaphor can lead to social misunderstandings and counterproductive policies, Brendon Larson observes in this stimulating book. He explores how metaphors can entangle scientific facts with social values and warns that, particularly in the environmental realm, incautious metaphors can reinforce prevailing values that are inconsistent with desirable sustainability outcomes. Metaphors for Environmental Sustainability draws on four case studies--two from nineteenth-century evolutionary science, and two from contemporary biodiversity science--to reveal how metaphors may shape the possibility of sustainability. Arguing that scientists must assume greater responsibility for their metaphors, and that the rest of us must become more critically aware of them, the author urges more critical reflection on the social dimensions and implications of metaphors while offering practical suggestions for choosing among alternative scientific metaphors./div |
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Contents
| 1 | |
| 31 | |
| 66 | |
Engaging the Metaphoric Web | 93 |
When Scientists Promote DNA Barcoding and Consumerism | 126 |
Advocating with Fear At War against Invasive Species | 161 |
Seeking Sustainable Metaphors | 194 |
Wisdom and Metaphor | 223 |
Notes | 231 |
Bibliography | 259 |
Index | 295 |
Other editions - View all
Metaphors for Environmental Sustainability: Redefining Our Relationship with ... Brendon Larson No preview available - 2014 |
Common terms and phrases
adopt agreed allow alternative approach associated become benefits better biodiversity biologists Biology Cambridge chapter communication competition complex concepts concern connection conservation consider context continue contrast contribute critical cultural Darwinism demonstrated develop Discourse discussion distinction diverse DNA barcoding Ecology ecosystem edited effect engagement Environment environmental Ethics Evolution evolutionary example experience extent facts fear Figure Framing further given History human idea interaction interest interpret invasive species issue knowledge language lead less limited linguistic lives matter meaning meltdown meta metaphors natural world nature objective organisms particular percent perhaps perspective philosopher political problems progress promote proposed question recognize reflects relation require resonance response rhetorical role scholars scientific scientists seek selection sense social society statement studies suggest survey sustainability term Theory things thought tion understand University Press values worldview York
Bibliographic information
| Title | Metaphors for Environmental Sustainability: Redefining Our Relationship with Nature |
| Author | Brendon Larson |
| Edition | unabridged |
| Publisher | Yale University Press, 2011 |
| ISBN | 0300151535, 9780300151534 |
| Length | 301 pages |
| Subjects | › Nature / Ecology Science / Environmental Science Science / History |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |