Cosmologies of the Anthropocene

Reviews / Votes

"How ought one do philosophy in a time defined by the human impact on earthly systems and ecologies? That is, what does the Anthropocene require of philosophers? Many believe that thinking closely about human existence demands thinking closely about the environmental devastation that seems to accompany that existence. For Vetlesen (Univ. of Oslo), the best way to address the anthropocentric excesses that give rise to environmental crises is to move from anthropocentrism (as a cosmological conception and moral vision) to panpsychism. Drawing on research in anthropology, Vetlesen argues that "animism is panpsychism in practice" (p. 15). He offers substantive engagement with Thomas Nagel, Alfred North Whitehead, and the "agential realism" of Karen Barad, providing a rigorously analytic treatment that appreciates the philosophical contributions of Continental thought. Whether or not one ultimately agrees with Vetlesen's conclusions regarding the promise of panpsychism, this book is an important contribution to debates about devoting philosophical attention to a transformed, and sustainable, relationship between humans and others (whether human or not). This is a compelling but controversial text."

-J. A. Simmons, Furman University