Description
Book SynopsisIs the earth, which is a fit environment for man and other organic life, a purposefully made creation? Have its climates, its relief, the configuration of its continents influenced the moral and social nature of individuals, and have they had an influence in molding the character and nature of human culture? This title explores this questions.
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Abbreviations PART ONE: THE ANCIENT WORLD 1. Order and Purpose in the Cosmos and on the Earth 2. Airs, Waters, Places 3. Creating a Second Nature 4. God, Man, and Nature in Judeo-Christian Theology PART TWO: THE CHRISTIAN MIDDLE AGES 5. The Earth as a Planned Abode for Man 6. Environmental Influences within a Divinely Created World 7. Interpreting Piety and Activity, and their Effects on Nature PART THREE: EARLY MODERN TIMES 8. Physico-Theology: Deeper Understandings of the Earth as a Habitable Planet 9. Environmental Theories of Early Modern Times 10. Growing Consciousness of the Control of Nature PART FOUR: CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY 11. Final Strengths and Weaknesses of Physico-Theology 12. Climate, the Moeurs, Religion, and Government 13. Environment, Population, and the Perfectibility of Man 14. The Epoch of Man in the History of Nature Conclusion Bibliography Index
