Defining Nature: An Ameliorative Account of Nature as Reciprocal Relations

A dissertation for defense by Kate Nicole Hoffman

Click here to read a copy of this dissertation

 

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Abstract

This dissertation is an ameliorative project aimed at reconceptualizing the terms “nature” and “natural” in a way that promotes a healthier relationship between humans and the nonhuman world. Drawing on work in environmental ethics, ecology, conservation science, and feminist and indigenous philosophies, I argue in favor of giving up the currently dominating account of nature in Western conservation and environmentalism, a view which conceives of nature in terms of its independence from humans. In its place, I propose a novel account called Nature as Reciprocal Relations, where to be nature/to be natural is to stand in or foster reciprocal relations with other entities. On this account, a bird, tree, or whole ecosystem counts as nature not because it is separate from humans, but because it participates in reciprocal relationships. In contrast to Nature as Independence, certain non-native species, human-influenced ecosystems (i.e. New York subway cars dumped at the bottom of the ocean and now teaming with life), and even genetically-modified organisms may be considered just as natural as their “wild” counterparts, depending on the quality of their relationships. Insofar as humans engage in reciprocal relations with the entities around us, we are part of nature too. By connecting the presence and cultivation of reciprocal relations with planetary health, I argue that an understanding of nature which centers relationships, rather than independence, can help us to better structure and meet our modern environmental goals.

 

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Supervisor of Dissertation

Michael Weisberg
Bess W. Heyman President’s Distinguished Professor and Chair of Philosophy

 

Graduate Group Chairperson

Errol Lord
Associate Professor of Philosophy 

 

Dissertation Committee

Quayshawn Spencer
Robert S. Blank Presidential Associate Professor of Philosophy

Lisa Julia Miracchi Titus
Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Denver

Carlos Gray Santana
Associate Professor of Philosophy

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The department representative is TBD