Field Philosophy and Other Experiments

Field philosophy is an interdisciplinary approach to philosophy that emphasizes the importance of fieldwork and explores new possibilities for philosophical practices. It draws from various sources, such as public and participatory research, ethology, multispecies studies, and the environmental humanities. This book showcases critical and constructive forms of fieldwork by leading and emerging philosophers and offers insights into new possibilities for philosophical pursuits.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 134 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Field philosophy, a burgeoning field of inquiry, emerges from diverse origins, including public and participatory research and ethology, multispecies studies, and the broader realm of the environmental humanities. While these approaches have yet to gain widespread recognition within the discipline, field philosophy remains an untapped and uncharted realm for philosophical exploration. This comprehensive volume brings together esteemed and emerging philosophers who have dedicated decades to engaging in critical and constructive forms of fieldwork. Through their insightful articles, these scholars unveil novel possibilities and groundbreaking experiments for philosophical practices. This collection appeals to scholars across a wide range of disciplines, including continental philosophy, environmental humanities, science and technology studies, animal studies, cultural anthropology, art, and more.

The chapters in this book were originally featured as a special issue of Parallax, a renowned journal in the field of environmental humanities. The editors of this volume have carefully curated a selection of articles that showcase the rich diversity and depth of field philosophy. Each chapter offers a unique perspective on the importance of fieldwork for philosophy and explores innovative methods for conducting 'field philosophy from an interdisciplinary vantage point.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the relationship between field philosophy and the environmental humanities. The authors argue that field philosophy provides a valuable lens for understanding the complex and interconnected relationships between humans and the natural world. By immersing themselves in the field, philosophers can gain a deeper appreciation for the ethical and philosophical dimensions of environmental issues and develop new insights into the nature of human-nature relations.

Another important aspect of field philosophy is its emphasis on collaboration and interdisciplinary dialogue. The authors recognize that many of the most pressing environmental challenges require a multidisciplinary approach, and field philosophy provides a platform for bringing together experts from different fields to work together towards solutions. Through collaborative research and interdisciplinary exchange, field philosophers can develop a more comprehensive understanding of complex environmental problems and explore innovative approaches to addressing them.

The book also explores the methodological challenges and ethical considerations associated with fieldwork. The authors discuss the importance of reflexivity, ethical decision-making, and respect for the communities and environments that are studied. They emphasize the need for careful planning, ethical considerations, and sensitivity to the cultural and social contexts in which fieldwork is conducted.

In addition to these theoretical and methodological considerations, the book also features case studies and examples of field philosophy in action. The authors provide vivid descriptions of their experiences conducting fieldwork in diverse environments, including forests, oceans, urban spaces, and rural communities. These case studies demonstrate the practical applications of field philosophy and highlight the ways in which it can contribute to our understanding of the world and our place in it.

Overall, this agenda-setting collection argues for the importance of fieldwork for philosophy and provides reflections on methods for such 'field philosophy from the interdisciplinary vantage point of the environmental humanities. Field philosophy has emerged from multiple sources – including approaches focused on public and participatory research – and others focused on ethology, multispecies studies, and the environmental humanities more broadly. These approaches have yet to enter the mainstream of the discipline, however, and 'field philosophy remains an open and uncharted terrain for philosophical pursuits. This book brings together leading and emerging philosophers who have engaged in critical and constructive forms of fieldwork, for some over decades, and who, through these articles, demonstrate new possibilities and new experiments for philosophical practices. This collection will be of interest to scholars working across the disciplines of continental philosophy, environmental humanities, science and technology studies, animal studies, cultural anthropology, art, and more.

The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of Parallax .

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367655723