Nature, God and Humanity Envisioning an Ethics of Nature

Nature, God and Humanity clarifies the task of forming an ethics of nature, thereby empowering readers to develop their own critical, faith-based ethics. Calling on original, thought-provoking analyses and arguments, Richard L. Fern frames a philosophical ethics of nature, assesses it scientifically, finds support for it in traditional biblical theism, and situates it culturally. Though defending the moral value of beliefs affirming the radical Otherness of God and human uniqueness, this book aims not to compel the adoption of any particular ethic but rather illumine the contribution diverse forms of inquiry make to an ethics of nature. How does philosophy clarify moral conviction? What does science tell us about nature? Why does religious faith matter? Rejecting the illusion of a single, rationally-compelling ethics, Fern answers these questions in a way that fosters both agreement and disagreement, allowing those holding conflicting ethics of nature to work together for the common good.

Introduction; Part I. The Ethics of Nature: 1. Moral concerns; 2. Humane holism; 3. Ecological wisdom; Part II. The Wild God: 4. Religious faith; 5. Theistic naturalism; Part III. The Body of Humanity: 6. Human nature and good; 7. The fellowship of creation.

Richard L. Fern, who holds advanced degrees in Philosophy and Religious Studies (Ph.D., Yale University), Theology (M.Th., Southern Methodist University), and Law (J.D., Yale Law School), taught ethics for many years at the University of Illinois and Yale Divinity School. He is currently taking advantage of an early retirement to write on topics of interest.