The Paideia Archive: Twentieth World Congress of Philosophy

Volume 22, 1998

Philosophy and the Environment

Irina Shirkova-Tuuli
Pages 58-66

On the Concept of Ecological Optimism

In this paper I want to discuss some problematic issues in contemporary philosophical thought concerning the environment that I consider to be "pessimistic." I state the necessity of finding a new, active and stimulating position regarding the ecological situation that will help to initiate and support a positive outcome. I call such a position Ecological Optimism. I also discuss the scientific and philosophical groundwork underlying this position and develop a brief plan for its implementation.