How an ecosophical life could look like

My philosophical dissertation

"Necessity of a philosophical-ecological art of living"

deals with the idea of an ecosophical way of life in distinction to the concept of sustainability. While writing my master's thesis, which is an attempt at a NEW "natural-philosophical argumentation" for a life-affirming future, I became aware of how uncritically terms like nature and sustainability are being used. The work now presented, shows on the one hand, that the inflationary use of the term sustainability does not prevent the loss of the basis of life. On the other hand, it shows that the term since its introduction at the first climate summit (Rio 1972), has been established in a way that makes it difficult to replace.

With the elaboration of how an ecosophical life could look like, it can be shown that holistic learning and experiences are necessary for living our daily life in an ecosophical way. This text aims to contribute to the transdisciplinary dialogue that is needed in our society. The Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess is one of the pioneers of “deep ecology,” which was among the first “green” movements of the 1970s. With reference to Naess and to his concept of ecosophy, it is shown how experiences with natural beings really shape and sensitise us humans in an ecologically sustainable direction. Fostering mindfullness for a life in which respectful recognition as a central thought determines one's own thinking and actions - leads to one's own ecological way of living - a personal eco-philosophy.


A transdisciplinary mix of traditional methods of philosophy, modern considerations from science, education, politics and 'common knowledge' (and NGOs) present an image of humanity that shows the change from Homo Economicus to Homo Sustinens. Specifically, gradual philosophising according to the Socratic method with elements of nature education is used to continually practise the art of long-term thinking. The art of dealing with past experiences in reality, in the here and now. Philosophising, especially with children, against the horizon of education for sustainable development means conveying feelings and 'Socratic understanding'. An understanding which uses eco-routines to encourage children as well as adolescents and adults to live a life-affirming future. Courage to dare the great ecological transformation, the global Green New Deal.