Anthropology Redefined

Anthropology Redefined

Moving towards the paradigm shift apparent in scientific knowledge, we begin with the example of quantum physics, wherein what man believed is totally different from what he knows today about atoms. This has brought about a paradigm shift not only in science but as well as the social arena, i.e., to say what is discussed here is not only in the context of science but also the whole of mankind, e.g. the old understanding that female is subsumed under males is a belief that has to be left behind. Arriving at the concept of deep ecology, we realise that the current mindset is anthropocentric, that we see ourselves as different from the whole universe. But what really is to be realised is that we’re embedded within the fabric of nature, i.e., to say we can’t change the way nature works because we ourselves are a small thread in this universe. We only do unto ourselves what we do unto the whole universe. This school of thought was originally developed by Norwegian philosopher Arne Næss. There are also other schools of thought called the social ecology and ecofeminism. These are simply specialisations of the general ideas of the actual concept of paradigm shift.

Here, we also discuss about the values that we need to imbibe to move towards the systematic world. In this new paradigm shift, what is most important is the change from self-assertion to integration, which is also a more holistic approach rather than the orthodox reductionist approach. It is also realised that the connection between an ecological perception of the world and corresponding behaviour is not a logical but a psychological connection. Logic doesn’t lead us from the fact that we are an integral part of the web of life to certain norms of how we should live. However, if we have deep ecological awareness or experience of being part of the web of life, then we will be inclined to care for all of living nature.

To read the full article, check out the first edition of Quarks.