Searching for Sophia: An Enquiry into an Earth Ethic for the Anthropocene

Abstract

The aim of this study was to discover the potential for an Earth Ethic able to guide decisions on the environmental changes that are the hallmark of the Anthropocene. First, the enquiry identified the fundamentals of a potential Earth Ethic. Second, the fundamentals are reviewed for the disciplines of Science, Economics and Law, and the contributions of commonsense. Third, the conclusion is drawn that an Earth Ethic is not created through consensus, rather from respecting and reconciling multiple ethical positions. In other words, a collaborative Earth Ethic. The research required a transdisciplinary methodology that could address complex problems and contribute to their solution. Evidence was sought through a critical review of the environmental literature, case studies and interviews with leaders in their fields. The enquiry found that this goal required a wider canvas than is usually associated with transdisciplinarity, a canvas best represented by the Platonic ideal of sophia, an overarching wisdom A critical review of the literature found the fundamentals of an Earth Ethic for the Anthropocene to be: A shared language accessible to the multiple interests involved (Chapter 1); An expanded transdisciplinary approach (Chapter 2); An ethics framework which provides a structure for an applied ethic (Chapter 3); An understanding of the complex relationships between humans and nature (Chapter 4); The persistence of uncertainty and in response the application of the precautionary principle (Chapter 5); Strong environmental governance which includes the monitoring and evaluation of human impacts. (Chapters 6-8). There was a need to find a solution to the divided thinking that has been dominant since the 17th Century Enlightenment. Differences between the disciplines did not necessarily make them incompatible. The humanities, arts, and commonsense offer bridges between the multiple sources of knowledge needed to make up an Earth Ethic.

Building on the fundamentals, an ethics framework was applied to the ethical practices of science, economics and law. Context: fostering sophia in the Anthropocene; Choice: choosing the ethical position supporting the environment; Values: enabling collaborative decision-making; Obligations: ensuring the Earth Ethic meets the Anthropocene challenge; Moral rules and principles: adopting a collaborative Earth Ethic. This study confirms that the events of the Anthropocene have ontological significance in redefining the human relationship with nature. Findings include an ethical framework that can help negotiate a way through the Anthropocene. An aphorism, 'reconciling who we think we are with what we claim to know', sums up the need to reflect on the practical implications of pursuing a collaborative Earth Ethic. The ancient recognition of sophia as an all-pervading wisdom offers a guide for the development of a collaborative Earth Ethic. Show more