Holmes Rolston III began his career as a Presbyterian minister. But his love of the natural world — and his belief in evolution — didn't sit well with his congregation. He was ultimately fired. The late philosopher spent much of his career working to bridge the gap between science and religion because he said "the future of Earth depends on it." Rolston is the pioneer of environmental ethics, a turning point in philosophy. His ultimate goal was to define the moral worth of the planet. Rolston died in 2025 at the age of 92.

In this episode, IDEAS explores his legacy and the continuing resonance of his work.

Guests in this documentary:

Christopher Preston is a professor of environmental philosophy at the University of Montana, Missoula. His books include Tenacious Beasts and Saving Creation: Nature and Faith in the Life of Holmes Rolston III.

Stephen Scharper is an associate professor in the department of anthropology and the School of the Environment at the University of Toronto.

Kerry Bowman is a Canadian bioethicist and environmentalist who teaches bioethics and planetary health at the University of Toronto.

Nathan Kowalsky is an associate professor of philosophy at St. Joseph's College at the University of Alberta.

Karen Beazley is a professor emerita in the School for Resource and Environmental Studies at Dalhousie University.

Simon Appolloni is an assistant professor in the Teaching Stream at the University of Toronto's School of the Environment.