Loving Nature

As the full effects of human activity on Earth's life-support systems are revealed by science, the question of whether we can change, fundamentally, our relationship with nature becomes increasingly urgent. Just as important as an understanding of our environment, is an understanding of ourselves, of the kinds of beings we are and why we act as we do. In "Loving Nature" Kay Milton considers why some people in western societies grow up to be nature lovers, actively concerned about the welfare and future of plants, animals, ecosystems and nature in general, while others seem indifferent or intent on destroying these things. Drawing on findings and ideas from anthropology, psychology, cognitive science and philosophy, the author discusses how we come to understand nature as we do, and above all, how we develop emotional commitments to it. Anthropologists have tended to suggest that our understanding of the world is shaped solely by the culture in which we live. Kay Milton argues that it is shaped by direct experience in which emotion plays an essential role. Emotion is a basic ecological mechanism which connects us to our environment. It enables us to learn by altering us to our surro

'This is a deeply intelligent and rewarding book. It is lucidly written, blessedly free of academic preening, and focused on important social issues. Loving Nature provides some inspirational ideas to disentangle the links between environment, emotion and political performances.' – Monica Degen, Open University

Kay Milton