Natura, tecnica, cultura: per una riflessione filosofica sull’ecologia

Abstract

The internal evolution of what we call «ecology» requires an essential philosophical study, not only to define an ethics able to respond to the urgent needs that we can no longer delay, but also to help us outlining the theoretical, ideal and practical model of the relationship between man and nature. Considering how the theme has developed throughout history, the article suggests to consider the man both an integral part of nature, and at the same time able to keep some distance, and consequently his freedom, in front of the entities he works out and transforms, to meet his needs, perceive and articulate the sense he feels in his existence. What we can define as the cultural importance of the relationship between man and nature inevitably involves also a technical aspect, which has in western societies extended over time. The necessary new understanding of the present forms of technology can
only follow the path of a revision of the dominant cultural model, changing the now appreciated leading figures and encouraging a truly democratic participation in decision making.