Wendy Atkins-Sayre Bücher

A deep dive into how Appalachian food tells the story of resilience of Appalachian people, culture, and region.

This book examines the unexpected power of dispassion to incite the passions of sentimental literature, restoring the conversation between Enlightenment philosophy and fiction to the history of emotions, and reframing our contemporary theories of mind and of the novel.

Philosophy plays a crucial role in developing a viable environmental ethic, offering organizing concepts that guide moral decision-making. Ethics transcends mere observation; it addresses what ought to be, balancing present actions with future implications. A life devoid of self-reflection regarding our roles and the impact of our choices on others—both human and nonhuman—is unlikely to be fulfilling. Such a life often leads to more pain than pleasure, as our existence is intertwined with the broader ecosystem. Our self-interest is not isolated; it encompasses values beyond the moral, including aesthetic, economic, social, and civic dimensions. The Covid-19 pandemic highlights that valuing our health necessitates valuing the health of others. Similarly, the climate crisis illustrates the far-reaching consequences of human actions. Every mundane activity we engage in is linked to the labor of others and the natural world. Our desires are fulfilled through the efforts and resources of many, often at the expense of those in vulnerable situations. Dystopian narratives remind us of the potential consequences of our current trajectory, emphasizing the urgency for a robust environmental ethic. While it may not prevent all crises, such an ethic can guide us in mitigating impacts and striving for a sustainable, just future. Here are some key ideas that inform this work.