Oddly Radical: Environmental Virtue Ethics in Simak’s Way Station

This essay reconsiders Clifford Simak’s Way Station as a nuanced exploration of environmental virtue ethics, challenging the conventional view of Simak’s ideology as conservative. It argues that Simak critiques anthropocentrism, including that in Aldo Leopold’s “Land Ethic,” by advocating for a more authentic ecocentric perspective. Through close analysis, the essay examines how Simak integrates ethical considerations into his portrayal of the ecosphere and his characters’ responses to it, emphasizing the intrinsic value of all beings. Additionally, it explores Simak’s anti-anthropocentrism and alignment with ecofeminism, underscoring his preference for non-human entities. The essay also delves into Simak’s empathy for the “other,” illustrating how he promotes environmental justice and respect for all beings, irrespective of ability, beauty, or corporality. By illuminating Simak’s environmental virtue ethics, this essay contributes to a deeper understanding of how his pastoral science fiction shapes environmental consciousness and promotes ethical engagement with the natural world. (JMB)