Some philosophical differences in the environmental debate

Gregory Jacobs SJ

Even when people agree that change is needed, they cannot agree on how to go about this. I believe that this is what is happening in the environmental debate at the moment: different philosophical positions are held by the different parties. On one side are the “anthropocentric sustainability” advocates who promote humanity as having dominion over the earth, and must subdue it. Their focus is on sustaining human life, and indeed allowing it to flourish. On the other side are the “cosmological holism” advocates who view humanity as an equal player with the rest of Creation, and so want to learn to listen to the voice of all those affected by environmental change, including plants, animals and the landscape. Both positions are justified from biblical hermeneutics, but view key issues such as economic growth, power, and freedom very differently. This paper will explore the philosophical rationales and implications of these biblically grounded positions for a way forward in the environmental debate.

Public Transport: Trams: 109 (to Box Hill), 12 (to Victoria Gardens): Tram, stop 13 (Landsdowne St. ACU).

Buses: From City: 302, 303, 304, 305, 309, 318, 350, 905, 906, 907, 908. Stop: ACU.

Nearest Train Station: Parliament Station. Exit Macarthur St, go north until Victoria Parade, Turn right, 400 metres (CTC building corner of Victoria Parade and Eades St, - the Southern Side of Vic Parade, located across from what was until very recently - the Dallas Brooks Hall).

Parking along Vic Parade and at the ACU (on Young St).

Very wheelchair accessible, all on the ground floor, incl. disabled toilet nearby.