Self-realization and ‘ecological’ autonomy
An ecosophical perspective
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 8134191 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Luca Valera (0000-0002-1693-396X, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 26 |
| Pages | 1-9 |
| Publication date | 2026-02-26 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Ethics in Science and Environmental Politics (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1611-8014 • E-ISSN: 1863-5415 |
| Publisher | Inter-Research Science Center (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.3354/esep00227 |
| OpenAlex | W4417357281 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 21 |
This paper explores the compatibility between human autonomy and ecosophical thinking, in particular Arne Næss’s worldview. Contrary to the prevailing view that environmental ethics marginalizes autonomy due to its anti-anthropocentric roots, this paper argues that Næss’s concept of self-realization not only accommodates human autonomy but is foundational to it. Self-realization, understood as the fulfillment of the inherent capacities of every living being, is analyzed through philosophical traditions from Aristotle to Spinoza, emphasizing its dynamic interpretation. This paper highlights the role of identification—a process of recognizing kinship with other beings—as central to expanding the self while preserving individuality. This relational autonomy, called ‘ecological’ autonomy, underscores interdependence without erasing personal agency. By situating autonomy within ecological networks, this paper demonstrates that flourishing (self-realization) arises from acknowledging and nurturing these connections. Ultimately, Næss’s ecosophy redefines autonomy as inherently relational, offering a pathway for humans to thrive alongside nature. Self-realization, rooted in ontology rather than in ethics, fosters a harmonious coexistence where autonomy and ecological dependence coexist, challenging traditional dichotomies in environmental philosophy
Affordance · Autonomy · Dichotomy · Flourishing · Ontology · Perspective (graphical · Earth Systems and Cosmic Evolution · Environmental Philosophy and Ethics · Religion, Ecology, and Ethics
Ecology, Community and Lifestyle
Alienation and Self-realization
The shallow and the deep, long‐range ecology movement. A summary∗
Identification With Nature
Deep ecology and the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas
Home, Ecological Self and Self-Realization
Depth, Ecology, and the Deep Ecology Movement
Deep Ecology and the Irrelevance of Morality
Why I am Not a Nonanthropocentrist
Conservation and Self-Realization
Identification and Alienation in the Anthropocene
Self-Realization and the Criterion of Goodness
Self-Realization as the Moral Ideal
On the Meaning of Eudemonic Arguments for a Deep Anthropocentric Environmental Ethics
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |