학술논문

Agrarian Ideals and Practices: Comments on Paul B. Thompson's The Agrarian Vision.
Document Type
Article
Author
Source
Journal of Agricultural & Environmental Ethics. Aug2012, Vol. 25 Issue 4, p535-541. 7p.
Subject
Sustainable living
Environmental ethics
Sustainable agriculture
Teleology
Language
ISSN
1187-7863
Abstract
In The Agrarian Vision, Thompson argues that a better appreciation of agrarian ideals could lead to a more virtuous, more sustainable way of life. While I agree with Thompson in many respects, there are some aspects of the book that I question and others that I would like to hear Thompson explicate in greater detail. In this paper, I question Thompson's claim that agrarian farmers and farming communities serve as ideal models of virtuous habits and good character. I challenge Thompson's use of virtue theory, particularly the notion that farming virtues can be acquired without participating in farming practices. In the end, I make the point that Thompson seems to vacillate between being realistic and being idealistic, which may seriously complicate our notions of responsibility and obligation in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]