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Nature and the Anthropocene: The Sense of an Ending?

Green Politics
Political Theory
Global
Manuel Arias-Maldonado
Universidad de Granada
Manuel Arias-Maldonado
Universidad de Granada

Abstract

Among the normative questions posed by the supposed advent of the Anthropocene is the following: Does the Anthropocene spell the end of nature? The philosophical answer to that question may determine the political answer to the phenomenon that is described by this geological-cum-historical notion. In this paper, I will argue that, although the signs are mixed, the Anthropocene does indeed confirm that nature has ended in a particular yet important way - but that such ending does not preclude further reflection about the human relation with the environment. In fact, such recognition makes possible another understanding of the task that lie ahead: a reflective re-organization of socionatural relations and a reconceptualization of a seemingly forgotten concept, i.e. that of sustainability.