“My argument is that the mechanistic worldview, which has become the dominant view of industrial capitalism –in a sense, the ideology of capitalism –is a framework that gives permission to exploit and dominate nature. The results are seen in the ecological crisis.” – Carolyn Merchant
Carolyn Merchant is a professor at Berkley University who researches the interrelationships of Environmental History, Philosophy and Ethics. In ” A Conversation with Carolyn Merchant“, Russell Schoch from California Monthly interviews Merchant on her views on the environment and the need to change our way of thinking in order to solve the “global ecological crisis”.
The ideology of nature as a live female entity, having a body, soul and spirit during the Renaissance period shifted during the scientific revolution to nature conceptualized as “dead”, with no spirit or forces. If nature is “dead” then we can exploit it without being emotionally invested and be free from guilt. This change in ethics has come at a high price causing overpopulation; global warming; endangered species, to name a few.
In Merchants book, “Reinventing Eden: Western Culture as a Recovery Narrative” she suggests that we need to change the meta-narrative from the widely accepted story that we can reclaim the Garden of Eden by using technology to interact and dominate nature to a “partnership ethic”. A partnership ethic is a concept that all people are equal and can become partners with the earth towards social reconstruction. Merchant is optimistic and hopeful that the partnership process including, Green parties; biodiversity treaties and action against ozone depletion will change our world’s landscape.
For a toon video on Capitalist Consumerism and moving to a “Partnership Ethic” watch “The Story of Stuff”:
Reference:
Merchant, C. (2002). A conversation with Carolyn Merchant. California Monthly, 112(6).