Title: Nature as emergent probability: how Lonergan provides a framework for the integration of the human and non-human

Authors: Paul Bruno

Addresses: Providence College, USA

Abstract: After briefly considering the critique of Western anthropocentrism often raised by contemporary environmentalists, the paper acknowledges that while the critique has its merits, there are also Western philosophical ideas that belie anthropocentrism. Specifically, Aristotle|s ideas on the soul are elucidated. The paper then explores Bernard Lonergan|s idea of emergent probability and how such an idea provides a framework for understanding that we, as human beings, share an identity with the pattern of nature as a whole - a pattern that itself does not grant pride of place to humans.

Keywords: Western anthropocentrism; environmentalism; Aristotle; soul; Bernard Lonergan; emergent probability.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.2005.053932

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 2005 Vol.7 No.1, pp.46 - 55

Published online: 13 May 2013 *

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