Byron Williston – Green Party

Byron Williston is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo. Previously, Byron taught at the University of South Florida in Tampa and at the University of Toronto. Byron studied Philosophy and English as an undergraduate at Carleton University, did an MA in Philosophy at the University of Ottawa and a Ph.D in Philosophy at the University of Toronto. Byron grew up in Vancouver and Whistler and has been an ardent lover of nature, especially alpine mountain spaces, from an early age.

For some time Byron’s research was focused on the history of early-modern (17th-century) Philosophy but in the past few years he has turned increasingly to the field of environmental ethics. The change was prompted by his recognition that humanity is facing a profound ecological crisis and that we need to change the way we think and behave if we are meet the challenges this crisis presents. Byron firmly believes that engagement with wild natural spaces is a key part of human well-being and that future generations have a right to clean air, good soil and bountiful fresh water. This right places a duty on members of the current generation to change our orientation to nature, which is why sustainable living is both a moral imperative and a political opportunity for us.

Byron has published extensively in the history of philosophy, on the problem of climate change, what motivates us to be moral, and many other topics.  His most recent book is Environmental Ethics for Canadians, to be published this summer by Oxford University Press. He lives in Kitchener with his wife Shanna and their two children, Philippa (3) and George (7).

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Tuesday, April 12th, 12-1 PM — Byron Williston, Kitchener-Centre, Green