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Ecological Irrationality: Public and Private Capitalist Thought

DeShawn Powell

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Published in Markets Against Modernity: Ecological Irrationality Public And Private (Capitalist Thought: Studies In Philosophy Politics And Economics)

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The current environmental crisis is a product of the irrationalities inherent in capitalist thought. This is the central argument of Ecological Irrationality, a groundbreaking work by environmental philosopher Arran Gare.

Markets against Modernity: Ecological Irrationality, Public and Private (Capitalist Thought: Studies in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics)

by Ariel Ezrachi

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Language	:	English
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Print length	:	231 pages

Gare argues that the dominant narrative of environmentalism, which focuses on technological solutions to environmental problems, is fundamentally flawed. He contends that this narrative fails to address the root causes of the crisis, which lie in the irrationalities of capitalism.

These irrationalities include the belief in perpetual economic growth, the commodification of nature, and the externalization of environmental costs. Gare shows how these irrationalities have led to a system that is unsustainable and that is destroying the planet.

The Irrationality of Perpetual Economic Growth

One of the most fundamental irrationalities of capitalism is the belief in perpetual economic growth. This belief is based on the assumption that the economy can continue to grow indefinitely, without any negative consequences for the environment.

However, Gare argues that this belief is simply not sustainable. He points out that the Earth's resources are finite, and that continued economic growth will eventually lead to environmental collapse.

Gare also argues that the belief in perpetual economic growth is based on a false dichotomy between the economy and the environment. He contends that the economy is a subsystem of the environment, and that the two cannot be separated.

The Commodification of Nature

Another irrationality of capitalism is the commodification of nature. This refers to the process by which nature is turned into a commodity that can be bought and sold.

Gare argues that the commodification of nature has led to a number of negative consequences, including the destruction of ecosystems, the pollution of the environment, and the loss of biodiversity.

He also argues that the commodification of nature has led to a distorted view of nature. We no longer see nature as something that has intrinsic value, but rather as something that is only valuable if it can be bought and sold.

The Externalization of Environmental Costs

A third irrationality of capitalism is the externalization of environmental costs. This refers to the practice of passing the costs of environmental damage on to society as a whole.

Gare argues that the externalization of environmental costs is a major contributor to the environmental crisis. He points out that businesses often do not have to pay for the environmental damage they cause, which gives them an incentive to continue polluting.

Gare also argues that the externalization of environmental costs creates a false sense of security. We think that we can continue to pollute without any consequences, but this is not true. The costs of environmental damage will eventually be borne by all of us, in the form of higher taxes, higher food prices, and a degraded environment.

Ecological Irrationality is a powerful and provocative work that challenges the dominant narrative of environmentalism. It argues that the current crisis is not simply a matter of technological failure, but rather a product of the irrationalities inherent in capitalist thought.

Gare's book is a must-read for anyone who is concerned about the future of the planet. It offers a unique and valuable perspective on the environmental crisis, and it provides a roadmap for a more sustainable future.

Buy the Book

Ecological Irrationality is available for Free Download at all major bookstores. You can also Free Download the book online at Our Book Library.com.

Ecological Irrationality: Public And Private Capitalist Thought Markets Against Modernity: Ecological Irrationality Public And Private (Capitalist Thought: Studies In Philosophy Politics And Economics)