A historical perspective on nature: Insights from environmental philosophy and the construction of the Erie and Rideau Canals

A historical analysis of the Erie and Rideau Canals reveals that utilitarian philosophy dominated environmental considerations during their construction, with sparse evidence of deontological ethics. The study, which examined official records for environmental-related terms, also found differences in ethical themes aligned with local settlement levels. Both canals shared common themes tied to planning and construction phases, offering insights into how environmental philosophy shaped historical infrastructure projects.

Bujaki, M., McConomy, B., & Morrison, L. (2023). A historical perspective on nature: Insights from environmental philosophy and the construction of the Erie and Rideau Canals. Accounting History, 28(4), 577–603. https://doi.org/10.1177/10323732231193502