Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1. A Basis for Physiolatry
Chapter 2. Options for Natural Selection
Chapter 3. Prosociality
Chapter 4. The Proportion of Handshakes
Chapter 5. Violence and Utopia
Chapter 6. The Puffendorf Hypothesis
Chapter 7. The Rudimentary Ethics of Parmenides
Chapter 8. Being-in-the-Worldness: das-in-der-Welt-sein
Chapter 9. The Metaphysics of the ‘Peaceable Kingdom’
Chapter 10. Equations of Potentiality
Chapter 11. Indigenous Critical Mass: Neural and Biocultural
Chapter 12. Dependent Transitional States
Chapter 13. Albrecht Dürer and the Nature of Ecological Conversion
Chapter 14. The Dialectics of Epiphany
Chapter 15. Re-Negotiating the Labyrinth
Chapter 16. Ten-Crossing Knots
Chapter 17. Semiotic Holons
Chapter 18. Future Symbols
Chapter 19. A New Natural Positivism
Chapter 20. Non-Asymptotic Boundary Solutions
Chapter 21. Parasparopagraho Jīvānām
Chapter 22. The Fourth Order Simile
Chapter 23. Biological Scaling for a New Nature
Chapter 24. Reciprocity Paradoxes
Chapter 25. Theories of Pairing in a World of Differences
Chapter 26. The Procaccini Effect
Chapter 27. Bereitschaftspotential
Chapter 28. Zoosemiotic Translations
Chapter 29. Conscious Speciation
Chapter 30. Coda
About the Authors/Translator
Index
Book Review
“This elegant treatise examines the nature of kindness through the fascinating lenses and contexts of ancient, medieval and contemporary philosophy, natural history, theories of mind, of natural selection, eco-psychology and sociobiology. It challenges the reader to consider the myriad potential consequences of human behavior, examining various iconographic moments from the history of art and science as a precursor to the concept and vital potentials for ecological conversion.” READ MORE>>> –
“Ecological Reciprocity is a profound reminder of the fragile life support systems we receive from every ecosystem in this anthropogenic epoch of the planet. In their lifetime epic journey of ecological protection of nature, the Authors wonderfully portray their unparalleled creative conscience and emotional intelligence.” – Ugyen Tshewang, PhD, Bhutan’s Ministry of Agriculture, former Governor of Trashiyangtse and Secretary of the National Environment Commission
“Michael Charles Tobias and Jane Gray Morrison are well known around the world as outstanding scientists, researchers and educators in the field of ecology and environmental protection. They are not only theorists and authors of many books, articles and films on ecology, but also the founders of the Dancing Star International Ecological Foundation, whose main goal is to preserve biological diversity and develop ecological education around the world. The next new book by M. Tobias and J. Morrison, Ecological Reciprocity: A Treatise on Kindness, is precisely aimed at solving just such problems. It is a logical continuation of the enormous research and educational activity to which the authors of the book have devoted their entire life. It is quite obvious that most people live, as a rule, “for today” and think, as a rule, “for short distances.” And only a small percentage of the world’s population is able to think in global categories. But even fewer are those who correlate their interests with the general tasks of social development. It is not surprising, therefore, that practically all over the world people have a poor idea of the real state of affairs with their environment, and, as a result, do not pay due attention to it. As a result, it is difficult to convey the humanistic ideas of ecological and nature protection content to the wide public consciousness. However, this must be done by all available means. At the same time, among the many publications on ecology, there are not so many books that can capture the attention of a wide audience regardless of countries and continents. The book, Ecological Reciprocity: A Treatise on Kindness, which is written in an interesting and exciting way, is just such a generous gift to all of us, which makes a valuable contribution to the cause of universal environmental education and enlightenment.” – Alexander N. Chumakov, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor of the Faculty of Global Processes of the Lomonosov Moscow State University, First Vice-President of the Russian Philosophical Society, Full member of the Russian Ecological Academy, Editor-in-Chief of the journal Age of Globalization
“This is a very important book and should be read by everyone. Humans have gotten out of balance with the Natural World, and we see this lack of balance reflected everywhere in our efforts to destroy Nature. But as Tobias and Morrison elegantly point out, Nature works best through harmony, kindness, and reciprocity. We need to learn this lesson before it becomes too late for us to avoid our own destruction.” – Con Slobodchikoff, PhD, Author of Chasing Doctor Dolittle: Learning the Language of Animals
“Of the books I’ve read by Michael Tobias and Jane Morrison, all of which are as rich in detail as they are broad in scope, Ecological Reciprocity: A Treatise on Kindness may be the most touching and rewarding. I say that because A Treatise on Kindness is like a Boléro of empathy — one contiguous crescendo of cognitive, emotional and compassionate empathy — from beginning to end, swirling the reader through time and space, emotion and reason — to join the authors in their forgone conclusion, that “the whole biological world functions in one symphonic unison,” and “that we, like every other organism, have a noble calling that is, generally speaking, in tune with all others.” Who could argue with that? Who wouldn’t feel touched? I certainly was.” – David J. Wagner, Ph.D., Author, Curator
“With their ever present protean energy and optimism, even in the face of our dire planetary situation, Tobias and Morrison convincingly show that kindness has always been possible for humanity. Today we need this idea more than ever, and they teach us its beautiful history.” – David Rothenberg, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Music, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Author of Nightingales in Berlin and Survival of the Beautiful
“An extraordinary book by extraordinary writers whose wisdom—borne of observation, contemplation, and life experiences around the world—reveals their beautiful souls.” – Ingrid E. Newkirk, cofounder and president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
“Like all of the books authored by Tobias and Morrison, Ecological Reciprocity is thoroughly and impeccably researched. It shows that kindness and compassion are a part of human nature, long suppressed, but now increasingly emerging in an era that recognizes that humility must triumph over self-absorption and hubris if life on Earth is to survive and thrive….” READ FULL REVIEW>>> – Geoffrey B. Holland, Emmy-award winning producer, writer and director. Coordinator, Stanford University MAHB Dialogues
