A Field Philosopher's Guide to Fracking: How One Texas Town Stood Up to Big Oil and Gas
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.25 (716 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 1631490079 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 352 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2014-03-05 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
Is fracking safe? How does it affect the local economy? Why are bakeries prohibited in neighborhoods while gas wells are permitted next to playgrounds? In his quest for answers Briggle meets people like Cathy McMullen. 16 illustrations. Cathy did not consent to drilling, but those who profited lived far out of harm’s way.Briggle's first instinct was to think about frackingdeeply. Only five years later he would successfully lead a citizens' initiative to ban hydraulic fracturing in Dentonthe first Texas town to challenge the oil and gas industry. From the front lines of the fracking debate, a “field philosopher” explores one of our most divisive technologies.When philosophy professor Adam Briggle moved to Denton, Texas, he had never heard of fracking. On his journey to learn about fracking and its effects, he leaped from the ivory tower into the fray.In beautifully narrated chapters, Briggle brings us to town hall debates and neighborhood meetings where citizens wrestle with issues few fully understand. Drawing on philosophers from Socrates to Kant, but also on conversations with engineers, legislators, and industry representatives, he develops a simple theory to evaluate fracking: we should give those at
When we finally ban fracking across the world, it will be because strong communities like Denton, Texas, showed us the way.” - Josh Fox, director of Gasland and Gasland 2. “Ambitious…. His ability to apply philosophic treatises from Socrates to Hobbes to Kant to the dilemma of the oil and gas boom sweeping this country is admirable…. Briggle’s philosophical framing of the conversation sets his work apart and helps provide further insight on this divisive topic.” - Publishers Weekly“This rousing account of a great people's victory is also the occasion for some real reflection about the mad push forward now degrading the planet in deep and desperate ways.” - Bill McKibben, author of Deep
"Thoughtful, A Much Needed Perspective on the Topic" according to Amazon Customer. Reading Adam's book has given me a valuable perspective on the issue of Fracking that I have not found anywhere else.. "No Fracking Way, says Residents of Denton" according to RNJ. I first heard of Briggle’s book by way of C-SPAN’s Book-TV. Having long been concerned about fracking, I was impressed with his oral presentation and ordered the book immediately. To his credit, he explores both sides of the issue—all throughout—the full spectrum of choices citizens have concerning the issue of fracking.Philosoph. Tells everyone the facts about the really unsafe practice of Fracking Very well written. Helps show the horror of fracking - loss of water wells, property values dropping to low levels.Shows the truth about "Big OIL's" lies about safety - very similar to the cigarette industry - and shows the unfortunate truth that the EPA reallydoes not seem to care about our water and air. Everyone who is about to go to war with local,
His work and the Denton story have been featured in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, BBC, NPR, Washington Post, and Newsweek. Adam Briggle teaches philosophy at the University of North Texas in Denton, where he also serves on a citizens' advisory group. He contributes to Slate, Salon, Truthout, and other publications.