Part 1. Eco-Philosophy: Reimagining Human-Nature Relationships

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Complementary contrary forces in the natural world. Copyright 2025 Taraneh Naddafi

In a deep concern for our planet and recognizing the urgency of the changes happening, I feel compelled to share thoughts as part of our shared duty to safeguard the planet for future generations. Tinkering with ideas and learning from some of the best thinking out there, the deeper I dive, the clearer it becomes: merely reducing our impact won’t cut it. We’re on the brink of another revolution (probably greater than the Industrial Revolution), with generative AI shaking up everything we’ve known since then. Now, there’s a new fear: the looming specter of Earth’s destruction, etched by the scars of our past industrial endeavors. I’m penning this series as my ode to our generous Earth, vowing to actively contribute to its regeneration. This writing is a call to arms for all who care about the future of our planet—inspiring each other to rethink, reconnect, and regenerate. Join me on this adventure as we rewrite our relationship with nature, critiquing our current path while igniting hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Part 1-Dualism and the Divide Between Humanity & Nature

Eco-philosophy, or Ecosophy, is profoundly significant in our quest for ecological balance. Coined by Félix Guattari, a French post-structuralist philosopher and psychoanalyst, and Arne Næss, a Norwegian father of deep ecology, this concept is more relevant than ever, guiding our actions toward achieving harmony with the natural world.

As we explore humanity’s relationship with nature, we must examine the philosophical underpinnings that have shaped our modern worldview. The longstanding perspective of dualism—the idea that mind and body, humans and nature, exist as separate entities—has profoundly influenced how we engage with our environment. Understanding this divide is key to reimagining a future where humanity coexists with the natural world rather than dominating it.

The Roots of Dualism: A Philosophical Divide

René Descartes, often considered the father of modern philosophy, famously declared, “Cogito, ergo sum” (“I think, therefore I am”). His philosophy emphasized human reason as the foundation of existence and positioned the mind as distinct from the body. This dualistic perspective extended beyond individual consciousness to shape a worldview in which humans were perceived as separate from and superior to nature.

Western thought has long upheld this hierarchical distinction, echoing the sentiments of Francis Bacon, who encouraged humanity to conquer and exploit nature for its benefit. Over time, this ideology contributed to the Industrial Revolution and the rapid advancement of technology—accelerating human dominance over ecosystems. This belief in human supremacy has justified centuries of environmental exploitation, from deforestation to climate change, with disastrous consequences for biodiversity and ecological stability.

Yet, modern eco-philosophy challenges this perspective. The notion that humans exist apart from nature is an illusion—one that has fueled centuries of environmental destruction. Our bodies are nature, and our minds are not independent observers but deeply entwined with the ecosystems that sustain us. To move beyond dualism, we must recognize that we are not separate from nature; we are nature.

The Consequences of Anthropocentrism

From dualism emerged anthropocentrism—a worldview that places human interests at the center of existence. This mindset prioritizes human comfort, technological progress, and economic growth over ecological well-being. As a result, it has shaped many of our most pressing environmental challenges, including:...

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Key Takeaways OF PART 1:
Challenging Dualism: The concept of dualism has perpetuated the separation between humanity and nature, contributing to exploitation and ecological crises. 
Questioning Anthropocentrism: Our anthropocentric worldview has prioritized human interests at the expense of the environment, leading to ecosystem imbalances.
Recognizing the Impact of Anthropocentrism: Pollution, urbanization, overconsumption, and climate change are urgent challenges stemming from human dominance over the planet.
Examining Technocratic: Technological advancements, driven by profit motives, have worsened environmental issues, highlighting the need to reevaluate our approach.
Embracing Change, Urging a Paradigm Shift: Through eco-philosophy, we can forge a new path that emphasizes interconnectedness and fosters a harmonious relationship with nature.

In Part 2, coming soon, we explore alternatives to our human-centric mindset. Stay tuned for “Looking into ourselves as integral parts of Earth's ecosystem, embracing regenerative thinking for the sake of future generations” coming your way.

Thank you,

archiSCENTer Journal