Upstream/Downstream Issues in Environmental Ethics

These original essays explore non-reciprocated relationships with regard to the environment. The contributing philosophers who are known for their writing on environmental concerns discuss moral issues that arise when decisions by individuals, corporations, or governments cause changes in the environment that affect those who do not participate in the decisions. Among the topics addressed are population expansion, accumulation of toxic wastes, pollution of air and water, as well as the effects of actions by the "upstream," current generation on "downstream," future generations. Donald Scherer is Professor of Philosophy at Bowling Green State University.