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Overview
This book looks to the history of the 'the commons' in American and European social thought to better understand contemporary environmental problems. The authors show how American law governing lands and resources relies on the individualist assumptions of Enlightenment thinkers, who regarded land as 'wasted' when not being 'improved' by European agriculture or colonization. Curry and McGuire trace the history of this philosophical and historical legacy and reveal its strong influence on American concepts on community and land. They not only reveal the law's insufficient comprehension of community rights, but they also advocate realistic policy alternatives whereby community governance can better solve the challenges of resource management and other American social problems.
Synopsis
This book looks to the history of the _the commons_ in American and European social thought to better understand contemporary environmental problems. The authors show how American law governing lands and resources relies on the individualist assumptions of Enlightenment thinkers, who regarded land as _wasted_ when not being _improved_ by European agriculture or colonization. Curry and McGuire trace the history of this philosophical and historical legacy and reveal its strong influence on American concepts on community and land. They not only reveal the law's insufficient comprehension of community rights, but they also advocate realistic policy alternatives whereby community governance can better solve the challenges of resource management and other American social problems.
Booknews
Curry (dean for research and scholarship, Calvin College, Michigan) and McGuire (sociology, Muskingum College, Ohio) examine the European legacy of agriculture and colonization on American concepts of community and land. Focusing on the social and environmental consequences, they advocate community governance as a policy alternative. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Editorials
Choice
In a well-reasoned, coherent . . . discussion, Curry and McGuire argue for a renewal of the 'concept of community' to counter the pervasive influence of individualism in all its form. A valuable contribution.Curry (dean for research and scholarship, Calvin College, Michigan) and McGuire (sociology, Muskingum College, Ohio) examine the European legacy of agriculture and colonization on American concepts of community and land. Focusing on the social and environmental consequences, they advocate community governance as a policy alternative. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)