Synopses & Reviews
This book presents a systematic challenge to the widely-held view that Marxism is unable to deal adequately with environmental issues. Jonathan Hughes responds to criticisms of Marx's theory of history from environmental theorists, and offers an interpretation and reconstruction of key Marxian concepts, designed to show that the theory need not have harmful ecological consequences. He argues that the communist principle "to each according to his needs" must rest on a conception of needs that may be satisfied by a modest and ecologically-feasible expansion of productive output.
Review
"...few theorists have conducted an in-depth analysis of Marx's work to clearly articulate his approach to ecological questions. Analytical Marxism has been largely silent on this issue, until Hughes' Ecology and Historical Materialism. He provides a basis for expanding Marxism on theoretical grounds, while revealing how Marx's work yields necessary insights for ecology." Science and Society
Review
"Hughes' argument is logically compelling and his approach is original." Environmental Ethics
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 208-215) and index.
Table of Contents
Introduction; 1. Ecological problems: definition and evaluation; 2. Marxism and green Malthusians; 3. Marxism and the ecological method; 4. Historical materialism: locating society in nature; 5. Development of the productive forces; 6. Capitalism, socialism and the satisfaction of needs; Conclusion.