Creative Actualization: A Meliorist Theory of Values. (Value Inquiry Book)

This book presents an entirely new theory of values, in the context of an environmentally centered ethic. It constitutes a major new treatment of value theory, arguing for an agent centered, active theory in which value represents creation of novelties and thereby changes the world. The book examines traditional issues like inherent value, norms, modes, meaning and other aspects of value theory in the light of the new theory, value as creative actualization. The later part of the book critically evaluates the history of value theory and argues both that it is insensitive to the environment and that it is not consistent with either the thrust of contemporary philosophy or the possibility of inherent or intrinsic value.