The ecological idea and philosophy

For many contemporary philosophers, the mastery of nature has become the source of the multiple crises we face. But it has not always been this way. Several have even applauded and encouraged this mastery over time, artificially separating "nature" and "culture." Yet, from its origins, as a search for truth and wisdom and through its condemnation of excess, philosophy has been doubly concerned with the ecological idea.
In this captivating journey, Laurence Hansen-Løve goes back to the philosophical foundations of ecology. She shows the importance of ancient ideas of wisdom against hubris and of the critical representation of nature formulated by many philosophers throughout the ages (Aristotle, Spinoza, Rousseau, Thoreau, etc.). A journey that leads us to the present day, with the rise of resolutely ecological ideas such as political ecology (Ellul, Charbonneau, Gorz, Næss, etc.), ecofeminism (d'Eaubonne, Starhawk, etc.) or the terrestrial community (Mbembe).
In times of ecological peril, reconnecting with the foresight, prudence, and spirit of responsibility of the greatest philosophers, from Aristotle and Epicurus to Hans Jonas and Günther Anders, has become our imperative and our hope. Thanks to the contribution of materialist, but also animist and pantheist philosophies inspired by thinkers from all continents, contemporary ecological philosophy has partially reconnected with the wisdom of the Ancients. The wisdom that invites us to consider nature with affection, consideration, and benevolence.