Ecological Self

Environmental disasters have increased in recent years, and there is growing awareness that these disasters are connected. Freya Mathews' The Ecological Self provides a conceptual foundation for this interconnectedness, arguing that the atomistic cosmology inherited from Newton presents human beings as disconnected and individualistic, with the dire consequence that they regard nature as of purely instrumental rather than intrinsic value. She concludes by arguing for an ethics of ecological interdependence and for a basic egalitarianism among living species.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Environmental disasters, ranging from wildfires and vanishing species to flooding and drought, have surged in recent years, generating intense debates and capturing the attention of the media. Increasing awareness has emerged that these disasters are interconnected, revealing a profound interconnectedness within the natural world. However, until the publication of Freya Mathews' groundbreaking work, "The Ecological Self," there had been limited attempts to provide a conceptual framework that bridged philosophy and science to articulate this interconnectedness.

In this acclaimed book, Mathews skillfully weaves together a thought-provoking metaphysics of the environment. She connects the ideas of the seventeenth-century philosopher Spinoza with twentieth-century systems theory and Einstein's physics to challenge the prevailing cosmology inherited from Newton, which portrays the universe as fragmented rather than unified. This faulty thinking, in turn, leads to the perception of human beings as disconnected and individualistic, resulting in a reduction of nature to mere instrumental value. Mathews compellingly argues for an ethics of ecological interdependence, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the intrinsic value of nature and the interconnectedness of all living species.

"The Ecological Self" is a seminal work in ecological and environmental thinking, offering a transformative perspective on how we must change our thinking about the environment. This Routledge Classics edition includes a substantial new Introduction by the author, further enhancing the value and relevance of this classic text. By delving into the metaphysical foundations of environmental interconnectedness, Mathews provides a profound and thought-provoking exploration of our relationship with the natural world. This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, activists, and individuals seeking to understand the urgent challenges and opportunities facing our planet today.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 138 x 215 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367705183