Schelling and Ecological Thinking with Chris Satoor
Apr 16, 2022
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Christopher Satoor, a Schelling scholar, joins the hosts to explore Friedrich Schelling's early work. They discuss Schelling's naturphilosophie, points of continuity in his philosophical systems, and his dynamic realist ontology. The podcast also delves into Schelling's thought in relation to ecological thinking, the interconnectedness of spirit and nature, and the problem of objectification. They explore Schelling's incorporation of mystical elements and his views on emergence and the principle of identity. The importance of a molecular level approach to ecosystem preservation and the relevance of idealism, materialism, and ontological realism in understanding nature are also discussed. The chapter concludes with discussions on aliens, cults, and a new journal on Schelling.
Shelling's philosophy of nature emphasizes the interplay between repulsive and attractive forces, recognizing the dynamic tension within every object and phenomenon.
Shelling's philosophy of nature provides a framework for thinking ecologically and mending the split between humanity and the natural world by emphasizing the interconnectedness and unity of all beings.
Shelling's concept of dynamics challenges the notion of a rigid separation between humanity and nature, emphasizing the unity and interdependence of all beings.
Deep dives
Shelling's Dynamic Philosophy of Nature
Shelling's philosophy of nature centers around the concept of dynamics, specifically the interplay between repulsive and attractive forces. He argues that within every object or phenomenon, there is a dynamic tension between these forces. This dynamic tension defines the nature of the object and gives it quality. Quality, for Shelling, is the excess or surprise that goes beyond our initial expectations. The goal of his philosophy of nature is to recognize and understand this dynamic interplay, to go beyond the objectification of nature and achieve a unity of consciousness with it. Shelling emphasizes the importance of freedom in this process, as it allows us to extend ourselves into the world and recognize the unity of all beings. Through this recognition and understanding of interdependence, Shelling believes we can develop a new ecological consciousness that overcomes the perceived split between humanity and nature.
The Journey Towards Ecological Consciousness
Shelling's philosophy of nature provides a framework for thinking ecologically and mending the split between humanity and the natural world. His concept of dynamics, with the interplay between repulsive and attractive forces, offers a way to understand the interconnectedness and unity of all beings. By recognizing that nature is not stagnant or mechanistic, but rather filled with dynamism and productivity, we can move towards a more holistic and ecological perspective. Shelling encourages us to go beyond objectification and to see the world as a web of relationships. The journey towards ecological consciousness involves breaking free from limited perspectives and extending the freedom of thought and action to embrace a harmonious coexistence with nature.
Overcoming the Split and Embracing Unity with Nature
Shelling addresses the problem of the split between humanity and nature by emphasizing the need for reconciliation and unity. He argues that the initial separation or self-substance of humanity is a necessary step towards consciousness, but it should not be a permanent state. Instead, Shelling advocates for extending freedom to bridge the gap and achieve a recognition of unity with nature. This recognition involves understanding the dynamic nature of all beings, seeing the interplay of attractive and repulsive forces, and embracing the interconnectedness of all existence. By overcoming the split and cultivating a sense of unity, humanity can develop an ecological consciousness that values and respects the natural world.
Dynamics as the Motor of Ecological Thinking
Shelling's concept of dynamics, specifically the interplay between repulsive and attractive forces, serves as the driving force behind his philosophy of nature and ecological thinking. This understanding allows us to see beyond the static objectification of nature and recognize the fluidity and interconnectedness of all phenomena. The interplay of repulsive and attractive forces gives rise to a dynamic tension that defines the qualities of objects and experiences. This perspective challenges the notion of a rigid separation between humanity and nature, as it emphasizes the unity and interdependence of all beings. By embracing the dynamics of nature, we can develop a more holistic and ecological consciousness that appreciates the intricate web of relationships and fosters a harmonious coexistence with the natural world.
Shelling's Grappling with Differentiation and Difference
Shelling's philosophy delves into the problem of differentiation and difference. He can explain how differentiation occurs, such as the whirlpools and the relationship with identity. However, he struggles to provide a rational answer for why differentiation exists and why self-consciousness arises within nature. Shelling transitions from believing in a rational answer to embracing the fundamental irrationality of freedom. This shift occurs in his philosophy from nature philosophy to later works like the nature of philosophy and the freedom essay.
The Dynamic Organism of Thunderstorms and Nature's Individuation
Shelling and Delusian concepts intertwine in the understanding of thunderstorms. The thunderstorm represents a dynamic organism, consisting of various forces and elements like hot and cold air, precipitation, and cloud coalescence. Shelling highlights that the individualized nature of the thunderstorm is perceived through human cognition, where the sky appears dark, thunder is heard, and lightning is unexpected. Shelling's view aligns with the notion that without contradiction, there is no light. This understanding challenges the rigid molar conception of nature and calls for a shift towards acknowledging the molecular particularities that sustain ecosystems and promote ecological preservation.
Craig, Adam, and Terry (from our last Kant episode) are joined by Schelling scholar Christopher Satoor to explore the early work of Friedrich Schelling. Schelling tried to deduce the harmony of the conditions of experience and the productive activity of nature, and through a dynamic of intensities and forces aimed to synthesize and transcend the Spinozistic and Kantian limits of knowledge. We are guided through Schelling's naturphilosophie by Christopher Satoor, a doctoral candidate and faculty member over at York University whose paper “Becoming-Dynamic The Early Schelling and the Production of Nature” covers of the early Schelling manuscripts from his First Outline to his philosophical dialogue Clara, and his fragments of writing on Plato's Timaeus. We discuss the points of continuity between Schelling's many philosophical systems, his place in the history of German Idealism, and how his dynamic realist ontology offers to re-orient the human in its relation to nature beyond anthropocentric chauvinisms.