Defining Nature: An Ameliorative Account of Nature as Reciprocal Relations / Kate Nicole Hoffman.

Format:

Book

Thesis/Dissertation

Author/Creator:

Hoffman, Kate Nicole, author.

Contributor:

University of Pennsylvania. Philosophy, degree granting institution.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Environmental philosophy.

Ecology.

Environmental studies.

Philosophy--Penn dissertations.

Penn dissertations--Philosophy.

Local Subjects:

Environmental philosophy.

Ecology.

Environmental studies.

Philosophy--Penn dissertations.

Penn dissertations--Philosophy.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (196 pages)

Contained In:

Dissertations Abstracts International 85-12B.

Place of Publication:

[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania] : University of Pennsylvania, 2022.

Ann Arbor : ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, 2024

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This dissertation is an ameliorative project aimed at reconceptualizing the terms "nature" and "natural" in a way that promotes a healthier relationship between humans and the nonhuman world. Drawing on work in environmental ethics, ecology, conservation science, and feminist and indigenous philosophies, I argue in favor of giving up the currently dominating account of nature in Western conservation and environmentalism, a view which conceives of nature in terms of its independence from humans. In its place, I propose a novel account called Nature as Reciprocal Relations, where to be nature/to be natural is to stand in or foster reciprocal relations with other entities. On this account, a bird, tree, or whole ecosystem counts as nature not because it is separate from humans, but because it participates in reciprocal relationships. In contrast to Nature as Independence, certain non-native species, human-influenced ecosystems (i.e. New York subway cars dumped at the bottom of the ocean and now teaming with life), and even genetically-modified organisms may be considered just as natural as their "wild" counterparts, depending on the quality of their relationships. Insofar as humans engage in reciprocal relations with the entities around us, we are part of nature too. By connecting the presence and cultivation of reciprocal relations with planetary health, I argue that an understanding of nature which centers relationships, rather than independence, can help us to better structure and meet our modern environmental goals.

Notes:

Source: Dissertations Abstracts International, Volume: 85-12, Section: B.

Advisors: Weisberg, Michael; Committee members: Miracchi Titus, Lisa Julia; Spencer, Quayshawn; Santana, Carlos Gray.

Department: Philosophy.

Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania 2024.

Local Notes:

School code: 0175

ISBN:

9798382835914

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.