ERIC Number: EJ1234968
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1350-4622
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
A Posthuman Approach to Human-Animal Relationships: Advocating Critical Pluralism
Lindgren, Nicklas; Öhman, Johan
Environmental Education Research, v25 n8 p1200-1215 2019
This paper contributes to the debate about the absence of nonhuman animals (The term 'nonhuman animal' is used to emphasise the interconnection with the human being, viewed as a human animal. Using this terminology does not avoid a homogenising, stereotyping and simplifying of a multiplicity of animal (and human) beings. Nonetheless, we think that such a 'simplification' of concepts is inescapable in academic discussions concerning humans and nonhuman animals.) in environmental and sustainable education (ESE) and the challenge of the anthropocentric characterisation of European education. Relating to the debate about a pluralistic approach in ESE as a 'one-species only pluralism', we draw on Val Plumwood's ecofeministic dialogical interspecies ethics and Rosi Braidotti's understanding of a posthuman/nomadic subjectivity. By regarding 'difference' as a constituting force, we present a 'critical pluralistic' approach to human-animal relationships in ESE. Instead of drawing new lines of moral consideration for nonhuman beings, an ethical and political appreciation of what nonhuman others can do in ESE is suggested. Recommendations for educational practice are to "recognise nonhuman agency to reveal political and ethical dimensions, recognise the agency of non-living animals and stay in conflicts" and "'study up' and "develop an immanent critique," which could lead to alternative pedagogical approaches to human-animal relationships in different cross-curricula settings.
Descriptors: Environmental Education, Animals, Ecology, Humanism, World Views, Holistic Approach, Ethics, Interdisciplinary Approach, Differences, Power Structure
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A