Exploring African Holism with Respect to the Environment. (1st November 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Behrens, Kevin
• Is Part Of: Environmental values. Volume 19:Number 4(2010:Winter)
• Page Start: 465
• Page End: 484
• Publication Date: 2010-11-01
• Subjects: African environmentalism -- holism -- non-anthropocentrism -- harmonious relationships; Environmental ethics -- Periodicals; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; 179.105
• DOI: 10.3197/096327110X531561
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-2719

Abstract

Abstract : Contrary to a pervasive presumption of anthropocentricism in African thought, I identify an emphasis on the interrelatedness or interconnectedness of everything in nature, and argue that this is best construed as a rejection of anthropocentrism, and as something similar in conception to, and yet distinct from, holist perspectives. I propose that this strand of African thought, suitably reconstructed, should be construed as providing the basis for a promising non-anthropocentric African environmentalism. I name this position 'African Relational Environmentalism', and suggest that it is what distinguishes this position from holism that can most enrich environmental ethics.