Elemental Philosophy

Earth, Air, Fire, and Water as Environmental Ideas

By David Macauley | Publisher: State University of New York Press

About the book

Bachelard called them \"the hormones of the imagination.\" Hegel observed that, \"through the four elements we have the elevation of sensuous ideas into thought.\" Earth, air, fire, and water are explored as both philosophical ideas and environmental issues associated with their classical and perennial conceptions. David Macauley embarks upon a wide-ranging discussion of their initial appearance in ancient Greek thought as mythic forces or scientific principles to their recent reemergence within contemporary continental philosophy as a means for understanding landscape and language, poetry and place, the body and the body politic. In so doing, he shows the importance of elemental thinking for comprehending and responding to ecological problems. In tracing changing views of the four elements through the history of ideas, Macauley generates a new vocabulary for and a fresh vision of the environment while engaging the elemental world directly with reflections on their various manifestations.

Editions of Elemental Philosophy

Hardcover
ISBN 9781438432458
Paperback
ISBN 9781438432441
PDF
ISBN 9781438432465

Read an Excerpt

Bachelard called them \"the hormones of the imagination.\" Hegel observed that, \"through the four elements we have the elevation of sensuous ideas into thought.\" Earth, air, fire, and water are explored as both philosophical ideas and environmental issues associated with their classical and perennial conceptions. David Macauley embarks upon a wide-ranging discussion of their initial appearance in ancient Greek thought as mythic forces or scientific principles to their recent reemergence within contemporary continental philosophy as a means for understanding landscape and language, poetry and place, the body and the body politic. In so doing, he shows the importance of elemental thinking for comprehending and responding to ecological problems. In tracing changing views of the four elements through the history of ideas, Macauley generates a new vocabulary for and a fresh vision of the environment while engaging the elemental world directly with reflections on their various manifestations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Elemental Philosophy about?

Bachelard called them \"the hormones of the imagination.\" Hegel observed that, \"through the four elements we have the elevation of sensuous ideas into thought.\" Earth, air, fire, and water are explored as both philosophical ideas and environmental issues associated with their classical and perennial conceptions. David Macauley embarks upon a wide-ranging discussion of their initial appearance in ancient Greek thought as mythic forces or scientific principles to their recent reemergence within contemporary continental philosophy as a means for understanding landscape and language, poetry and place, the body and the body politic. In so doing, he shows the importance of elemental thinking for comprehending and responding to ecological problems. In tracing changing views of the four elements through the history of ideas, Macauley generates a new vocabulary for and a fresh vision of the environment while engaging the elemental world directly with reflections on their various manifestations.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Elemental Philosophy?

Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy > Philosophical traditions and schools of thought > Western philosophy from c 1800 > Phenomenology and Existentialism

Where can I read a sample of Elemental Philosophy?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781438432458

How long is Elemental Philosophy and how many pages does it have?

Elemental Philosophy has 449 page(s)

Is Elemental Philosophy part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series SUNY series in Environmental Philosophy and Ethics

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Elemental Philosophy?

David Macauley

Who is the Publisher of the book Elemental Philosophy?

State University of New York Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Elemental Philosophy is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781438432458) and paperback(ISBN 9781438432441) and pdf(ISBN 9781438432465)

Where can I buy Elemental Philosophy online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Elemental Philosophy from below

Where can I buy Elemental Philosophy?