Abstract:

In her previous book on environmental justice, the American philosopher and scientist, Kristin Shrader-Frechette (2002), argued that while environmental injustice was caused by firms and governments, it was up to the citizens to stand up and resist it. In her most recent book, Taking Action, Saving Lives, Shrader-Frechette follows the same line of argument. It is one of the most powerful academic books I have read and heard of. It is philosophically sound and coherent, but if this was all I said about it, I am not sure Shrader-Frechette would regard it as a compliment. She wants more than that. She hopes her book will inspire the readers to act. ‘Philosophically sound and coherent’ is just not enough. I shall come back to this point below, but first let us review the way the book opens. The story captures the entire book's message.