Abstract: Environmental political philosophy has generally been framed around the differing axiologies of ecocentrism (nature-centred) and anthropocentric (human-centred) forms of ethics. This book seeks to challenge the political relevance of this philosophical dispute with respect to the problem of nature preservation as public policy. A detailed analysis of the philosophical underpinnings of both ecocentric and ‘ecological humanist’ positions shows that the ‘embedded humanism’ within ecocentric arguments offers an opportunity to move beyond the ecocentric-anthropocentric divide. Furthermore, a principle of ‘strong irreplaceability’ with regard to natural goods can provide the basis for a political argument for nature preservation that is compatible with both human-centred and nature-centred concerns.

Keywords: anthropocentrism, ecocentrism, ecological humanism, environment, ethics, irreplaceability, natural goods, nature, political philosophy, public policy