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The Relevance of an Existential Conception of Nature

Mei, Todd (2014) The Relevance of an Existential Conception of Nature. Cosmos and History: The Journal of Natural and Social Philosophy, 10 (2). pp. 138-157. ISSN 1832-9101. (KAR id:51772)

Abstract

It is often assumed that science provides the most accurate knowledge about nature. This view not only collapses distinctions between different forms of knowing but also results in a paradox whereby understanding what it means to exist in the world is dictated by practioners of science. In this essay I argue for the relevance of an existential conception of nature via the philosophy of Martin Heidegger, and how his notions of thrownness and phusis enable us to recognize a certain ethical bond to nature. I conclude with a critical analysis of liability insurance and actuarial science to demonstrate my points.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled keywords: Nature, existentialism, Heidegger, thrownness, phusis, Collingwood, insurance
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Arts and Humanities > School of Culture and Languages
Depositing User: Todd Mei
Date Deposited: 12 Nov 2015 14:46 UTC
Last Modified: 11 Dec 2022 11:14 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/51772 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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