Environmental Legacies of the Copernican Universe

by Jean-Marie Kauth

Overview

In Environmental Legacies of the Copernican Universe, Jean-Marie Kauth shows how counter-ecological metaphors sprung from the cosmology of the Copernican Revolution influence us still in unexpected, maladaptive ways, nurturing conceptions of the world that are not only incorrect but enabling of ecocide. She argues that grasping these underlying paradigms may help us to alter our thinking and make the radical transformations needed to counter the forward motion of our capitalist, post-industrial society.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781666901849
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	04/06/2023
Series:	Environment and Society
Pages:	278
Product dimensions:	6.17(w) x 9.35(h) x 0.87(d)

About the Author

Jean-Marie Kauth, PhD, MPH is professor of languages and literature at Benedictine University. She is a member of APHA's Children’s Environmental Health Committee of the Environment Section and was recently appointed to the Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee (CHPAC), a federal advisory committee to the EPA.

Table of Contents

Contents Acknowledgments Preface: ‘Till by Turning, Turning We Come Round Right Introduction: Cosmology, Ecology Chapter 1: Dante’s Cosmos Chapter 2: Enlightenment Echoes Chapter 3: The Infinite Line Chapter 4: Environmental Legacies Chapter 5: Paradigm Shifts Chapter 6: Alternate Metaphors Conclusions References Index About the Author

Editorial Reviews

"A compelling analysis of the roots of ecological and social collapse coupled with an inspiring exploration of how we can, and must, engage these crises as agents of change. Kauth writes with disarming authenticity and insight about how our world views and the very shape of our lives can evolve to meet these vast challenges."

Liz Cunningham

"Jean-Marie Kauth is a herald, deeply trained in the liberal arts, dedicated to ecocriticism, and well versed in environmental science. She brings together a chorus of voices within and without the Western tradition who have sought to honor Gaia and to recognize her signals that something has gone drastically wrong. In the end, this book is full of hope, but it is a hope that must be found in the activities and re-thinking of our daily lives. With the aid of Plato, Aristotle, Dante, Chaucer, and Margulis, Leopold, and Carson, Kauth outlines a renewed way of living within the bosom of Mother Earth. A thoughtful book for academics and the public—a must in looking to the future."

J. Scott Lee

"Politicians would have us believe that growth (of the economy, consumer spending, etc.) is good and that infinite growth is infinitely better. But for whom? With beautifully-crafted prose, Kauth argues that if our planet is to remain livable for future generations, we must stop our addictive consumption of the earth’s resources and start behaving as if we are part of the circle of life."

Ruth A. Etzel