Animal Conservation Ethics and the Population Problem

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"Animal Conservation Ethics and the Population Problem breaks new philosophical and practical ground, exploring the relationship between conservation biology and wildlife rehabilitation. Dr. DeVaney outlines 'a path of convergence' between these two previously divergent fields and points toward a more holistic and forward-looking conservation paradigm. An important and unique contribution to the conservation literature."

—David N. Bengston, Ph.D., environmental social scientist, Northern Research Station, US Forest Service R&D

In this book, Leif DeVaney brings the traditional philosophical branches of metaphysics and ethics to bear on conservation biology. While many previous attempts at asking and answering ethical questions related to conservation and other environmentally relevant activities exist, few such attempts have engaged adequately with the “rock bottom” approach of metaphysics. Through this metaphysically realistic lens, the ontological
status of the population (as well as other ecological “wholes”) is challenged. DeVaney argues that individual nonhuman animals are found to have interests that parallel human interests. These include the biotic goals of survival and reproduction, as well as freedom from undue pain and suffering. From an ethical standpoint, the conclusion differs drastically from the dominant consequentialist contention that the good of some can be sacrificed for the supposed greater good of the many. DeVaney initiates the establishment of the  subdiscipline of conservation metaphysics, which naturally leads to a theoretically grounded ethic.

Leif Brostrom DeVaney holds a PhD in Conservation Biology, Philosophy minor, from the University of Minnesota. He has practiced wildlife rehabilitation and enjoys trail running, learning Michif, and spending time with his daughter, Eireen and cat, Squiggy. He is a member of the Minnesota DNR Deer Advisory Committee.

In this book, Leif DeVaney brings the traditional philosophical branches of metaphysics and ethics to bear on conservation biology. While many previous attempts at asking and answering ethical questions related to conservation and other environmentally relevant activities exist, few such attempts have engaged adequately with the “rock bottom” approach of metaphysics. Through this metaphysically realistic lens, the ontological
status of the population (as well as other ecological “wholes”) is challenged. DeVaney argues that individual nonhuman animals are found to have interests that parallel human interests. These include the biotic goals of survival and reproduction, as well as freedom from undue pain and suffering. From an ethical standpoint, the conclusion differs drastically from the dominant consequentialist contention that the good of some can be sacrificed for the supposed greater good of the many. DeVaney initiates the establishment of the  subdiscipline of conservation metaphysics, which naturally leads to a theoretically grounded ethic.

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Leif Brostrom DeVaney

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“Animal Conservation Ethics and the Population Problem breaks new philosophical and practical ground, exploring the relationship between conservation biology and wildlife rehabilitation. Dr. DeVaney outlines 'a path of convergence' between these two previously divergent fields and points toward a more holistic and forward-looking conservation paradigm. An important and unique contribution to the conservation literature.” (David N. Bengston, Ph.D., environmental social scientist, Northern Research Station, US Forest Service R&D)

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