Rewilding Philosophy part III

To address the complexities of the Anthropocene, we must go beyond quantifying carbon footprints or monitoring waste production, even though these actions are crucial. They merely scratch the surface of the profound transformation we urgently need. To truly grapple with the question of how to live, we need to embrace a more profound and nuanced examination. To do that, I found in my 10+ years of research that we need a philosophy that can act as a guiding principle for our behavior. And that we need the practice of philosophy to live that way.

Some may argue that addressing the meta-crisis does not require philosophy and might even complicate matters, that it is impractical and doesn’t lead to tangible real-world benefits, and that it is a purely intellectual exercise with no relevance to everyday life. However, I argue that the opposite is true. It’s not that philosophy keeps us from living a better life in the Anthropocene, but that the lack of philosophy does. Philosophy enables us to shift our perspective, opening the door to diverse viewpoints and solutions.

“In one sense, philosophy does nothing. It merely satisfies the entirely impractical craving to probe and adjust ideas which have been found adequate each in its special sphere of use. In the same way, the ocean tides do nothing. Twice daily, they beat upon the cliffs of continents and then retire. But have patience and look deeper, and you find that in the end, whole continents of thought have been submerged by philosophic tides and have been rebuilt in the depths awaiting emergence. The fate of humanity depends upon the ultimate continental faith by which it shapes its action, and this faith is, in the end, shaped by philosophy.” Alfred North Whitehead

Let me explain what I mean by finding a philosophy and practicing it*. And let’s start with what I mean by finding a philosophy.