Peter H. Kahn, Jr. Associate Professor Department of Psychology Box 351525 University of Washington Seattle, Washington 98195-1525 206-616-9395 (office) pkahn@u.washington.edu Research Laboratory Roosevelt Commons Building B Suite 400 4311 11th Ave. N.E. Seattle, Washington 98105 Home CV Teaching Research Funding Books The Human Relationship with Nature: Development and Culture Children and Nature: Psychological, Sociocultural, and Evolutionary Investigations Last Updated: 6 November, 2007

Books The Human Relationship with Nature: Development and Culture* The MIT Press (1999) * Winner of the 2000 Moral Development and Education Book Award (American Educational Research Association) "Peter Kahn addresses a subject important to humanity correctly, not as an advocate of genetic or cultural hypotheses, but as a scholar pondering the way in which the two forms of evolution are interwoven. His conclusions are informed by his own considerable research, presented in a clear and interesting manner. This is a significant contribution to the understanding of the human condition." Edward O. Wilson Research Professor and Honorary Curator in Entomology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University "Peter Kahn has written a sweeping and original account of the relationship between people and their living environments. The studies in Kahn's ambitious book open new doors into an important area of psychological study, and his bold theorizing adds greatly to our knowledge of developmental universals as well as cultural variation in how humans relate to the natural world." William Damon Professor and Director, Stanford Center on Adolescence "Peter Kahn provides a new perspective on development and culture through his perceptive, deep, and wide-ranging analyses of humans' relationship with nature and its moral implications. This is a truly interdisciplinary work that informs and is informed by several fields of scholarship. Written very clearly, this book contributes greatly to developmental, cultural, environmental, and educational studies." Elliot Turiel Professor, University of California, Berkeley "Using a developmental psychology framework, Peter Kahn provides a unique and much-needed addition to our scientific understanding of the human-nature relationship, particularly its biological origins and the influence of culture and learning in child development. This book is an important scholarly accomplishment with significant environmental education and conservation implications, all the more valued for its clear and accessible writing." Stephen R. Kellert Professor, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University "Here is the love of life (biophilia) both transculturally and with a difference. Kahn finds empirical support for a genetically based human need to affiliate with life. Enlarging the interpretive framework beyond human interests and our selfish genes, Kahn discovers a more embracing love of life, as humans realize deeper connections with and appreciation for other species. Such convictions can develop even among children, documented by cross-cultural studies. That corrects the postmodern claim that nature is our cultural construction. This penetrating analysis is the best yet blending of philosophical analysis and empirical research." Holmes Rolston, III University Distinguished Professor, Department of Philosophy, Colorado State University "Kahn has written a magnificent book that seamlessly integrates developmental theory, environmental ethics, and environmental education while raising important methodological and epistemological questions." Mitchell Thomashow Director, Doctoral Program in Environmental Studies, Antioch New England Graduate School [Top] Children and Nature: Psychological, Sociocultural, and Evolutionary Investigations The MIT Press (2002). "Nothing is more important to us than our children, and nothing is more important to our children than maintaining a high quality environment. If they are to have a benign and nurturing environment, much will depend on the ideas and surroundings they are exposed to today. The authors in "Children and Nature" discuss a fascinating and diverse range of topics related to these critical issues. Everyone with an interest in the human future could profit from reading it." Paul R. Ehrlich Bing Professor of Population Studies and President, Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University "Propagating a love of nature may ultimately be the most important pathway out of the biodiversity crisis. But how do people develop a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world? "Children and Nature" explores this most fundamental question. Educators, naturalists, environmentalists, parents, and anyone interested in communicating and fostering a deep regard for nature will greatly benefit from the highly stimulating explorations and discourses in this book." Carl Safina Vice President for Marine Conservation, National Audubon Society Author of "Eye of the Albatross" and "Song for the Blue Ocean" "This book has an astonishing number of insights per page. The authors carefully provide good reasons to believe that experiences in nature are a cornerstone for the development of healthy children, who learn to act wisely in the environment and to create healthy societies." Chris Myers Professor and Director of Project Dragonfly, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Miami University [Top]