The Preservation of Species

by Bryan G. Norton

For all persons seriously concerned about the destruction of natural environments in the contemporary world, this book presents a comprehensive rationale for preserving wild species and ecosystems. Bryan G. Norton appeals most centrally to "transformative value," the power of human contacts with wild species to transform and uplift the human spirit. Until now species preservationists have found a theoretical basis for their policies in the "demand" value of wild species for fulfilling certain narrowly defined human needs or in controversial and badly understood proposals about the "intrinsic" values of species. This work examines such rationales and diverges from them by pointing to new sources of value for wild they have worth because they can transform human values.

Because of the central role of biological diversity in environmental concerns, the book also provides a fresh perspective on environmental ethics more generally. Why Preserve Natural Variety? is sponsored by the Center for Philosophy and Public Policy at the University of Maryland, as was The Preservation of The Value of Biological Diversity , which was edited by Professor Norton.

Originally published in 1986.

The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Natural History

315 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The rationale for conservation has not changed much in the 40 years since this book was prepared. The arguments are set out clearly. Preservation of species is transformative to those who advocate for the microcosm of nature in which species are encountered by citizen scientists, natural historians, and all interested in documenting nature throough artwork, photography, videos and educational materials. This book is for site managers and site visitors alike, and the recent developments in nature literature to the mid-2020s. It has stimulated the National Park network to act benevolently to the nature it conserves, and sets out purposes which have endured. This is useful review of the thinking in the mid-1980s.