Cosmologies of the Anthropocene

Cosmologies of the Anthropocene delves into the misconceptions surrounding nature in Western thought since the advent of modern philosophy. It examines the profound consequences of these misunderstandings, particularly in the context of the Anthropocene. By integrating insights from recent anthropological research, the author presents a radical alternative cosmology that reinterprets the relationship between mind and matter, aiming to challenge contemporary posthumanist critiques.

The book engages with the enduring philosophical debate about the nature of mind and matter, highlighting how the significance of this discussion has evolved in the Anthropocene era. The author argues that since the time of Descartes, our understanding of matter and the natural world has been fundamentally flawed, leading to detrimental outcomes in practice. To address these issues, the text explores various philosophical alternatives proposed by thinkers like Whitehead and Nagel, as well as posthumanist perspectives from figures such as Barad and Latour.

Central to the author's argument is the concept of animism as a form of panpsychism, which offers a transformative view of the interconnectedness of culture and nature. This perspective is used to critique current posthumanist interpretations of the Anthropocene, revealing their philosophical shortcomings and lack of political and ethical engagement. Cosmologies of the Anthropocene provides a groundbreaking rethinking of our relationship with the natural world, making it a valuable resource for scholars in sociology, philosophy, social theory, and anthropology who are interested in exploring our connection to nature.