Rethinking nature’s values: methodological animism, gifts and rights of nature

Abstract

This article delves into the complex relationship between societies and natures in the Anthropocene era, underscoring the crucial need to recognize and appreciate nature’s inherent gifts. It goes beyond market-based instrumental values, advocating for a shift towards embracing relational values and a caring attitude towards nature. The transition towards relational approaches within sustainability science is discussed, drawing insights from diverse sources such as social theory, Science and Technology Studies (STS) and Indigenous knowledge systems. Moreover, the article introduces the concept of nature’s gifts and emphasizes the significance of reciprocity in human-nature relationships. It advocates for a methodological animism approach towards natures in Western societies, where non-humans are perceived as quasi-subjects, fostering a deeper sense of interconnectedness and appreciation for non-human entities. The discussion also explores relational perspectives in biology, i.e. the dynamics of symbiosis, highlighting the cooperative ties between plants, animals, and humans within ecosystems. Lastly, the article emphasizes the legal and political implications of acknowledging nature’s gifts through granting rights to nature. This paradigm shift challenges the conventional view of nature as mere property and advocates for recognizing natures as entities deserving of inherent rights. It discusses the importance of legal frameworks that promote reciprocal relationships between rights and obligations towards nature, ultimately aiming to foster a more sustainable and equitable coexistence with the environment. This article thus advocates for a profound re-evaluation of human-nature relationships by acknowledging natures as a quasi-subjects, recognizing and appreciating nature’s gifts and the rights of nature.

Keywords

• Simon West
• Gift giving
• relational values
• naturalism
• animism
• rights of nature