About the book
A new understanding of the Anthropocene that is based on mutual transformation with nature rather than control over nature.
We have been told that we are living in the Anthropocene, a geological era shaped by humans rather than by nature. In Enlivenment, German philosopher Andreas Weber presents an alternative understanding of our relationship with nature, arguing not that humans control nature but that humans and nature exist in a commons of mutual transformation. There is no nature–human dualism, he contends, because the fundamental dimension of existence is shared in what he calls \"aliveness.\" All subjectivity is intersubjectivity. Self is self-through-other. Seeing all beings in a common household of matter, desire, and imagination, an economy of metabolic and economic transformation, is “enlivenment.” This perspective allows us to move beyond Enlightenment-style thinking that strips material reality of any subjectivity.
To take this step, Weber argues, we need to supplant the concept of techné with the concept of poiesis as the element that brings forth reality. In a world not divided into things and ideas, culture and nature, reality arises from the creation of relationships and continuous fertile transformations; any thinking in terms of relationships comes about as a poetics. The self is always a function of the whole; the whole is equally a function of the individual. Only this integrated freedom allows humanity to reconcile with the natural world.
This first English edition of Enlivenment has been expanded and updated from the German edition.
Editions of Enlivenment
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780262536660
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262352260
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262352277
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262352284
Read an Excerpt
A new understanding of the Anthropocene that is based on mutual transformation with nature rather than control over nature.
We have been told that we are living in the Anthropocene, a geological era shaped by humans rather than by nature. In Enlivenment, German philosopher Andreas Weber presents an alternative understanding of our relationship with nature, arguing not that humans control nature but that humans and nature exist in a commons of mutual transformation. There is no nature–human dualism, he contends, because the fundamental dimension of existence is shared in what he calls \"aliveness.\" All subjectivity is intersubjectivity. Self is self-through-other. Seeing all beings in a common household of matter, desire, and imagination, an economy of metabolic and economic transformation, is “enlivenment.” This perspective allows us to move beyond Enlightenment-style thinking that strips material reality of any subjectivity.
To take this step, Weber argues, we need to supplant the concept of techné with the concept of poiesis as the element that brings forth reality. In a world not divided into things and ideas, culture and nature, reality arises from the creation of relationships and continuous fertile transformations; any thinking in terms of relationships comes about as a poetics. The self is always a function of the whole; the whole is equally a function of the individual. Only this integrated freedom allows humanity to reconcile with the natural world.
This first English edition of Enlivenment has been expanded and updated from the German edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Enlivenment about?
A new understanding of the Anthropocene that is based on mutual transformation with nature rather than control over nature.
We have been told that we are living in the Anthropocene, a geological era shaped by humans rather than by nature. In Enlivenment, German philosopher Andreas Weber presents an alternative understanding of our relationship with nature, arguing not that humans control nature but that humans and nature exist in a commons of mutual transformation. There is no nature–human dualism, he contends, because the fundamental dimension of existence is shared in what he calls \"aliveness.\" All subjectivity is intersubjectivity. Self is self-through-other. Seeing all beings in a common household of matter, desire, and imagination, an economy of metabolic and economic transformation, is “enlivenment.” This perspective allows us to move beyond Enlightenment-style thinking that strips material reality of any subjectivity.
To take this step, Weber argues, we need to supplant the concept of techné with the concept of poiesis as the element that brings forth reality. In a world not divided into things and ideas, culture and nature, reality arises from the creation of relationships and continuous fertile transformations; any thinking in terms of relationships comes about as a poetics. The self is always a function of the whole; the whole is equally a function of the individual. Only this integrated freedom allows humanity to reconcile with the natural world.
This first English edition of Enlivenment has been expanded and updated from the German edition.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Enlivenment?
Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy
Where can I read a sample of Enlivenment?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780262536660
Is Enlivenment part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Untimely Meditations
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Enlivenment?
Andreas Weber
Who is the Publisher of the book Enlivenment?
MIT Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Enlivenment is available as paperback(ISBN 9780262536660) and ebook(ISBN 9780262352260) and ebook(ISBN 9780262352277) and ebook(ISBN 9780262352284)
Where can I buy Enlivenment online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Enlivenment from below
Where can I buy Enlivenment?