Ethics of Consumption: The Good Life, Justice, and Global Stewardship

by David A. Crocker (Editor), Toby Linden (Editor)

Scholars in diverse fields now agree on the importance of investigating the impact of consumption practices on the global environment, quality of life, and international justice. In this comprehensive collection of essays, most of which appear for the first time, eminent scholars from many disciplines philosophy, economics, sociology, political science, demography, theology, history, and social psychology examine the causes, nature, and consequences of present-day consumption patterns in the United States and throughout the world. Specifically, the essays evaluate the impact of consumption practices on our own lives, our institutions, other people, and the environment. The contributors give explicit attention to the principles relevant for a consumption ethic, as well as to the policies and practices that such an ethic permits or requires. These engaging, jargon-free essays frame the problem of consumption in a variety of ways, challenging readers to see the issue from new perspectives. For scholars and students from across the disciplines, as well as for environmental and consumer activists, this volume will serve as the touchstone for discussions of consumption and global stewardship.

606 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

About the author

David A. Crocker, is Senior Research Scholar in the School of Public Policy, at the University of Maryland. He is also the founder and former president of the International Development Ethics Association (IDEA). His work has also been cited by the United Nations Human Development Report.

Crocker gained his bachelor's degree in psychology from DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana, in 1959. He also has three degrees from Yale University (M.Div in Philosophy of Religion 1963, MA in Philosophical Theology and Philosophy of Religion 1965, and a Ph.D in Philosophical Theology and Philosophy of Religion 1970).

Crocker was one of a number of leading philosophers who, at the 1998 World Congress of Philosophy, were interviewed by Michael Malone for the television series, A parliament of minds: philosophy for a new millennium.

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