Gillroy offers a rich discussion that should make a weighty impact on the public policy community. This book is a must for all Kant scholars and for anyone interested in the relevance of philosophy to environmental law and policy.
Most decision making in environmental policy today is based on the economic cost-benefit argument.
Criticizing the shortcomings of the market paradigm, John Martin Gillroy proposes an alternative way to conceptualize and create environmental policy, one that allows for the protection of moral and ecological values in the face of economic demands. Drawing on Kantian definitions of who we are as citizens, how we act collectively, and what the proper role of the state is, Gillroy develops a philosophical justification for incorporating non-market values into public decision making. His new paradigm for justice toward nature integrates the intrinsic value of humanity and nature into the law. He also encourages others to adapt his framework to create alternative policy models from existing philosophies. This book offers new insights, models, and methods for policymakers and analysts and for scholars in philosophy, political theory, law, and environmental studies.