'On the Emergence of an Ecological Class: A Memo' with Tim Howles
Aug 23, 2023
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Tim Howles, Junior Research Fellow in Political Theology at Campion Hall, University of Oxford, discusses the book 'On the Emergence of an Ecological Class: A Memo'. They explore the changing perceptions of class, the concept of progress and the need for an ecological class, guilt, consumption, responsibility in secular and religious contexts, and the separation between humans and nature.
The book emphasizes the need for a new understanding of class that transcends traditional political categories and centers around ecological concerns.
The authors argue for a reimagined concept of progress that prioritizes sustainability, well-being, and a harmonious relationship with the earth.
Deep dives
The Emergence of an Ecological Class: A Memo by Bruno Latour and Nikolai Schulz
This podcast episode discusses the book 'The Emergence of an Ecological Class: A Memo' by Bruno Latour and Nikolai Schulz. The book focuses on the transition from philosophy to practice in the context of the ecological crisis. It calls for a new understanding of class that transcends traditional political categories and centers around ecological concerns. The authors argue that humans need to recognize their dependence on the planet and their role within the earth system. They highlight the importance of finding a balance between the global elites who live detached from the planet and the retrenchment movements that seek to close borders. The book offers a vision of a new ecological class that embraces the shared goal of ensuring a habitable planet for future generations.
Challenges of Translating Anxieties into Action
The podcast explores the challenge of translating environmental anxieties into effective action. It critiques the separation of humans and nature in modern epistemology, which leads to a lack of response to the planetary crisis. The authors argue that humans need to recognize their dependence on the planet and their role within the earth system. They call for a new ethics that prioritizes flourishing within planetary boundaries. They suggest that the emergence of an ecological class can help overcome the current divisions and conflicts between global elites and the retrenchment movements, and generate a new system of thought and behavior.
Reimagining Progress and Growth
The podcast discusses the need to redefine progress and growth in the context of the ecological crisis. The authors criticize the conventional understanding of progress as tied to endless growth and consumption. They advocate for a shift towards a vision of progress that aligns with the flourishing of humanity within planetary boundaries. This reimagined concept of progress would prioritize sustainability, well-being, and a harmonious relationship with the earth. The podcast emphasizes the importance of transforming the language and grammar of politics, economics, and culture to reflect this new understanding.
The Call for a New Politics
The podcast highlights the authors' call for a new politics centered around the emergence of an ecological class. They emphasize the need to move beyond the traditional political categories of left and right, and instead focus on the ecological concerns that cut across these divisions. The authors suggest that this new ecological class should unite various social movements and values, including socialisms, feminisms, post-colonialisms, and indigenous practices. They encourage collaborative action and the formation of a shared horizon for collective action. The podcast underscores the hope that through this new politics, humanity can address the planetary crisis and create a sustainable future.
Tim is Junior Research Fellow in Political Theology at Campion Hall, University of Oxford, and Researcher Director at the "Laudato Si' Research Institute", a new institute conducting academic research in the field of ecology and social change. He is also an ordained Priest in the Church of England. In this episode we discuss Bruno Latour and Nikolaj Schultz text On the Emergence of an Ecological Class: A Memo
