In Nature's Interests Interests, Animal Rights, and Environmental Ethics [Hardcover]

This book offers a powerful response to what Varner calls the two dogmas of environmental ethics --the assumptions that animal rights philosophies and anthropocentric views are each antithetical to sound environmental policy. Allowing that every living organism has interests which ought, other things being equal, to be protected, Varner contends that some interests take priority over others. He defends both a sentientist principle giving priority to the lives of organisms with conscious desires and an anthropocentric principle giving priority to certain very inclusive interests which only humans have. He then shows that these principles not only comport with but provide significant support for environmental goals.

All libraries supporting curricula in environmental ethics should own it....Varner knows his field, including the relevant literature, and argues using logic and the tools of philosophers. He examines opposing views fairly. He also knows his biology well. Well written and mercifully short. --Choice

The book is a pleasure to read. The author is unduly influenced neither by radical nor conservative environmentalist camps. He has a mind of his own. --Environmental Ethics