Jainism and Environmental Politics

This book explores the ways in which the ecologically centred Indian philosophy of Jainism could introduce a new and non-western methodology to environmental politics, with the potential to help the green movement find new audiences and a new voice. Aidan Rankin begins with a description of the ideas and principles that distinguish Jainism from other Indian (and western) philosophies. He goes on to compare and contrast these principles with those of current environmental politics and to demonstrate the specific ways in which Jain ideas can assist in driving the movement forward. These include the reduction of material consumption, the ethical conduct of business within sustainable limits, and the avoidance of exploitative relationships with fellow humans, animals and ecosystems. Overall, the book argues that Jain pluralism could be a powerful tool for engaging non-western societies with environmental politics, allowing for an inclusive approach to a global ecological problem. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of environmental politics, environmental philosophy, comparative religions and Jainism.

Acknowledgements Glossary Foreword 1. Introduction 2. The Jain Voice and Political Ecology 3. The Jain Theory of Pluralism: Transcending the Politics of Protest? 4. Jainism and Environmental Politics: A Radical Synthesis? Index

Aidan Rankin is an author, independent scholar and property consultant based in London, UK. He has a PhD in Political Science from the London School of Economics and an MA in Modern History from the University of Oxford.