Environmental values

There is little doubt that we are facing an environmental crisis. The crisis is reflected in the writings of eminent philosophers, scientists and social theorists as well as in the everyday concerns of ordinary citizens. In spite, though, of the widely disseminated misgivings about the future of the planet there is less consensus about appropriate courses of action. How can we take effective action in the face of the crisis in relations with the natural world? What is the role played by individual and social value systems in making appropriate changes in behaviour? What theories of social action are most appropriate for understanding and working towards the changes in behaviour that seem to be required? These are the questions addressed in this thesis. The research reported in this thesis shows that the theoretical model of communicative action developed by Jurgen Habermas provides an invaluable framework for investigation, interpretation and understanding of the complex role of values in attempts to change environmental behaviour. The research also shows that the theory of communicative approach has emancipatory potential in that it could provide the basis for a process for bringing about desired change