Earthly Things: Immanence, New Materialisms, and Planetary Thinking

Globalization and climate weirding challenge our understanding of human-technology-animal-Earth relationships and require a shift to more immanent or planetary ways of thinking and acting. Earthly Things: Immanence,New Materialisms,and Planetary Thinking explores the connections and differences between immanent frameworks to provide eco-intellectual commons for thinking within the planetary community, focusing on re-thinking human-technology-animal-Earth relationships and addressing ecological degradation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2023
Publisher: Fordham University Press

Globalization and climate weirding are two of the most significant phenomena that are challenging and transforming the way we need to think and act within the global community. Modern Western understandings of human beings, animals, and the rest of the natural world have led to a range of social and ecological crises with planetary implications. In response to these challenges, Earthly Things: Immanence, New Materialisms, and Planetary Thinking argues that adopting more immanent or planetary ways of thinking and acting can have a profound impact on re-imagining human-technology-animal-Earth relationships and addressing issues such as global climate weirding and other forms of ecological degradation.

This book explores the connections and differences between various immanent frameworks, drawing from older and often-marginalized forms of thought from animisms, shamanisms, and other religious traditions, as well as more recent forms of thinking with immanence such as the universe story, process thought, emergence theory, the new materialisms (NMs), object-oriented ontologies (OOOs), affect theory, and queer theory. The authors in this volume have collaborated for over five years, resulting in a comprehensive and multifaceted perspective on "thinking and acting with the planet."

One of the key insights of Earthly Things is that immanent or planetary ways of thinking and acting can help us break free from the dominant anthropocentric mindset that has dominated Western thought for centuries. By recognizing the interconnectedness of all things and the interdependence of human beings, animals, and the natural world, we can develop a more holistic and sustainable approach to problem-solving. This approach recognizes that the Earth is a living system, and that human actions have the potential to impact the health and well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.

Another important aspect of Earthly Things is its emphasis on the role of new materialisms in re-thinking human-technology-animal-Earth relationships. New materialisms challenge the traditional understanding of matter as inert and passive and instead emphasize the active and dynamic nature of matter. This perspective recognizes that technology is not neutral but is shaped by the social, cultural, and environmental contexts in which it is developed and used. By adopting a new materialist approach, we can develop more ethical and sustainable technologies that are in harmony with the natural world.

Furthermore, Earthly Things highlights the importance of developing a planetary thinking that goes beyond the boundaries of individual nations and cultures. By recognizing the interconnectedness of the Earth's systems and the global challenges we face, we can develop a shared sense of responsibility and action. This requires us to work together across borders, disciplines, and cultures to address issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality.

In conclusion, Earthly Things: Immanence, New Materialisms, and Planetary Thinking offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about how we can address the challenges of globalization and climate weirding. By adopting more immanent or planetary ways of thinking and acting, we can develop a more holistic and sustainable approach to problem-solving that recognizes the interconnectedness of all things and the interdependence of human beings, animals, and the natural world. This approach can help us break free from the dominant anthropocentric mindset and develop more ethical and sustainable technologies that are in harmony with the Earth's systems. Moreover, it can foster a sense of global responsibility and action that goes beyond the boundaries of individual nations and cultures, enabling us to work together to address the global challenges we face.

Weight: 667g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781531503055