The Task of Philosophy in the Anthropocene
Axial Echoes in Global Space
Edited by Richard Polt, Jon Wittrock Senior Lecturer in Political Science, Södertörn University, Sweden
Publication date:
06 April 2018Length of book:
246 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersDimensions:
237x161mm6x9"
ISBN-13: 9781786605559
In its early modern form, philosophy gave a decisive impetus to the science and technology that have transformed the planet and brought on the so-called Anthropocene. Can philosophy now help us understand this new age and act within it? The contributors to this volume take a broad historical view as they reflect on the responsibilities and possibilities for philosophy today.
The term ‘Anthropocene’ signifies the era of the arrival of human beings as a force that affects global ecosystems in ways that are potentially disastrous for humanity itself, as well as for countless other species. This volume explores whether philosophy has meaningful tasks to fulfill in this unparalleled situation. Do philosophers need to reflect on new topics today? Do they need to think in new ways? Do they need new relationships to their own tradition? And are there concrete actions they should take, over and above philosophical reflection? The contributors to this volume thus take on the question of the relevance and responsibility of philosophy, drawing upon diverse legacies, in the current global situation.
The term ‘Anthropocene’ signifies the era of the arrival of human beings as a force that affects global ecosystems in ways that are potentially disastrous for humanity itself, as well as for countless other species. This volume explores whether philosophy has meaningful tasks to fulfill in this unparalleled situation. Do philosophers need to reflect on new topics today? Do they need to think in new ways? Do they need new relationships to their own tradition? And are there concrete actions they should take, over and above philosophical reflection? The contributors to this volume thus take on the question of the relevance and responsibility of philosophy, drawing upon diverse legacies, in the current global situation.
What is the task of philosophy in the Anthropocene? One thing is for certain: we cannot merely rely upon established conceptual systems but rather must think deeply and question boldly as we reconsider what it means to be. This impressive array of “axial echoes” offers a glimpse of what it would mean to renegotiate human existence in the Anthropocene.