How to Think About Catastrophe

Toward a Theory of Enlightened Doomsaying

Jean-Pierre Dupuy, M B Debevoise, Mark Rogin Anspach

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English

Michigan State University Press
30 November 2022

Ethics & moral philosophy; Social theory; Nuclear issues; Natural disasters

Series: Studies in Violence, Mimesis & Culture

During the last century humanity acquired the ability to destroy itself. The direct approach to destruction can be seen in such facts as the ever-present threat of nuclear war, but we have also developed the capacity to do indirect harm by altering conditions necessary for survival, including the looming cloud of climate change. How can we look forward and work past the dire position we now find ourselves in to achieve a sustainable future? This volume presents a new way of thinking about the future as it examines catastrophe and the human response. It examines different kinds of catastrophes that range from natural (e.g., earthquakes) to industrial (e.g., Chernobyl) and concludes that the traditional distinctions between them are only becoming blurrier by the day. This book aims to build a general theory of catastrophes—a new form of apocalyptic thinking that is grounded in science and philosophy. An ethics for the sake of the future is what is required, which in turn necessitates a new metaphysics of temporality. If a way out of the imminent danger in which we find ourselves is to be found, we must first look to radically alter our ethics.

By: Jean-Pierre Dupuy
Other: M B Debevoise, Mark Rogin Anspach
Imprint: Michigan State University Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm,
Weight: 363g
ISBN: 9781611864366
ISBN 10: 1611864364
Series: Studies in Violence, Mimesis & Culture
Pages: 194
Publication Date: 30 November 2022
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

JEAN-PIERRE DUPUY is professor emeritus of social and political philosophy at the École Polytechnique in Paris and professor in the Program in Science, Technology, and Society at Stanford University.

Reviews for How to Think About Catastrophe: Toward a Theory of Enlightened Doomsaying

"""In this timely meditation on humanity's frightful inclination to violence, Jean-Pierre Dupuy weaves together the philosophical implications of today's nuclear and climate horror. In the face of a 'murderous free-for-all, ' Dupuy sketches the way forward: utter clarity about the doom that awaits us, thereby forestalling its realization."" --JERRY BROWN, governor of California (1975-1983, 2011-2019)"