Earth Matters: The Earth Sciences, Philosophy, and the Claims of Community

To any serious observer and critic of the current `State of the Earth'-this book is a crucial resource. Carl Mitcham, in a review that also lives on this site, has done an even-handed job of highlighting particular articles and their merits. I would agree with and refer you back to his observations, but for one point. Mitcham's own essay is not a weak link in the collection, but, in fact, brings up the central concern of the volume eloquently:"Rather than being hyperactive cheerleaders for the future or sullen critics of the present we must attempt to think it, to recognize ever more clearly what has happened and what is at stake--in part, through a studied dialogue with ancestors and alternatives..." "Earth Matters" provides a quality forum for studied dialogue, alternative ways of thinking through and naming things, and collapsing traditional boundaries in search of progressive, adaptive and compassionate responses to what most see as a precarious state in environmental affairs. Reading it is entering the forum and participating in the dialogue, for many of the questions begin with an examination of self. These authors are indeed `the adults-in-the-room'-deeply respected and serious writers from across several disciplines. There isn't a hint of brash extremism here, but rather, a disciplined, contemplative and often poetic approach to subtle and complex issues.

First, in the interests of full disclosure, I should note that an essay of mine is included in this volume. However, I think my contribution is among the weaker in the book, and I give this volume the rating I do because of the high quality of the other contributions. Also, I am one of two people to whom the editor graciously dedicated the book, a compliment for which I am grateful but which I have tried to set aside as an influence on this review.What makes this book outstanding is its attempt to advance philosophical reflection on the earth sciences. Martin Heidegger once made a remark to the effect that the sciences do not think, they simply analyze and re-present. This book attempts to move beyond Heidegger by engaging in interdisciplinary philosophical reflection on the nature and meaning of the geosciences. These reflections range from hydrologist Victor Baker's semiotics of the earth sciences and philosopher Kristin Shrader-Frechette's critique of positivist epistemology in geological modelling to Bruce Foltz's careful phenomenological attention to how the geosciences can help provide human orientation in the world and Albert Borgmann's expressions of concern for the implications of the digitalization of information in geology. Christine Turner provides an introduction to the experience of the field sciences. Daniel Sarewitz critiques excessive attempts to rely on objectivity. Scott McLean, Eldrige Moores, and David Robertson examine how geology is manifest in the poetry of Gary Snyder. Alphonso Lingis examines "ecological emotions." And more. This is, truly, a most remarkable book, that advances not just the development of a philosophy of the geosciences but the philosophy of science.Weaknesses: The book deserves a much more robust and programatic introduction; and a good annotated bibliography would have been a very serviceable addition.