About a new social contract, suggested by philosophers
Often in our modern political discussions regarding economy and ecology, we see these two dimensions as somehow conflicting. Economic progress is often associated with an exploitation of natural resources on earth.
The professor for philosophy at the University Gustav Eiffel, Corine Pelluchon argues in an Essay called “Ecology as new Enlightenment” that was published in the Global solutions Journal, 2021 that our perception of the environment, the so-called eco-phenomenology lays a new foundation for a social contract. She says:
“Ecology cannot be reduced to its environmental dimension, which is mostly associated with the fight against global warming. It entails a social dimension linked to the organization of work and the fair allocation of resources“.
She stresses that because of the ecological crisis enhanced by global warming, we must take responsibility for future generations so that economical, ecological and social resources do not fade.
We also had a responsibility for other living beings, such as animals. People, in their perception of nature, forget about their dependent relation with nature and how it nourishes their lives.
The governments shouldn’t just concentrate on questions about economic justice and freedom but on ecological responsibility radically that also enhances the principles of the old Enlightenment, such as autonomy, democracy and the idea that there is only one planet.
Here lies the problem eventually. The question if economic growth accelerates the end-exploitation of our natural resources and global warming is heavily discussed in politics.
Pelluchon makes quite a simple yet interesting proposal: to stop being arrogant as humans.
we must overcome the separation between nature and civilization and the narrow anthropocentrism in which we have been brought up[…] Ecology therefore implies humility, without which we cannot cooperate with others or institute the common good.
So in order to protect non-human lives and our biosphere, do we perhaps have to stop thinking about what is best for humans but what is common good for the earth we live in and where we are all interdependent? anthropocentrism describes a position that centers humans in the discussion, but perhaps we are not the damn center of the universe and history teaches us that repeatedly again.
Pelluchon believes that with consideration we can find intrinsic value in nature and the connectedness of all living things on earth. What do you think? Can Economic growth and ecological protection go together? Do we even need economic growth for our fight against the exploitation of planet earth?
References:
Corine Pelluchon. Ecology as new Enlightenment. Global Solutions Journal, 2021,
Global Solutions Journal. The World Policy Forum, 7, p. 218-223. HAL-03240808.
