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The Natural World in Western Thought

Author

Listed:
  • Mazhar Ali Jarwar

    (Department of Science and Technology, University of Naples Parthenope, 80143 Naples, Italy)

  • Stefano Dumontet

    (Department of Science and Technology, University of Naples Parthenope, 80143 Naples, Italy)

  • Vincenzo Pasquale

    (Department of Science and Technology, University of Naples Parthenope, 80143 Naples, Italy)

Abstract

The Western approach to the natural world, considering “nature” as an object of scientific scrutiny and of exploitation for economic purposes, results in a separateness and subsequent alienation from nature. The overarching aim of this paper is to emphasize the limitations and consequences of this approach, including how nature is perceived, the value attributed to nature, and the substantial denial of cultural contributions from non-Western philosophical and scientific backgrounds. We also consider the Western attempt at balancing industrial and technological endeavors, aimed at preserving ecological equilibria. In this framework, we argue that the current ever-increasing concern about sustainability cannot be decoupled from the perception of nature and natural values, whether material, aesthetic, or spiritual. Therefore, modern sustainability challenges, mainly attributable to Western overexploitation of nature and natural resources, need to be considered in the context of the limited Western paradigms, which often leave the very definition of nature unanswered. We argue that efforts to ease the anthropogenic pressure on natural ecosystems, leading to their degradation, cannot be uniquely bounded by Western science and its technological appendices.

Suggested Citation

  • Mazhar Ali Jarwar & Stefano Dumontet & Vincenzo Pasquale, 2024. "The Natural World in Western Thought," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jchals:v:15:y:2024:i:1:p:17-:d:1360549
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Spash, Clive L., 2020. "A tale of three paradigms: Realising the revolutionary potential of ecological economics," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 169(C).
    5. Winthrop, Robert H., 2014. "The strange case of cultural services: Limits of the ecosystem services paradigm," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 208-214.
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