Nature and Altering It

These lectures examine the meanings of the nature - beginning with 16 distinctive senses of the term, which in turn imply different relationships with the human being and responsibility expressed in a variety of narratives. The author considers various stories including that of genes, Francis Bacon, liberal society, capitalism and romanticism, as they have shaped both in modern mind and our attitudes towards nature. Verhey thing takes issue with Lynn White and discusses various interpretations of his well-known essay. He then proposes his own narrative including the propositions that Nature is good but not perfect and that humanity is both part of nature and distinguished within it. He pursues the themes of creation and covenant, proposing a policy of prudence and care as the basis of a Christian ecological ethic.