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<p>This article addresses the concept of <i>anthropocide</i>—the death or self-inflicted extinction of humankind—and explores how the philosophy of Paul Ricoeur might help us avoid it. In the first part, I examine anthropocide in the context of climate change and analyse the concept of the <i>Anthropocene</i>, the geological epoch in which human activity has significantly impacted the Earth's ecosystems and climate. The second part focuses on Ricoeur’s philosophy, particularly his views on hermeneutics, time, action, and responsibility. Drawing on his work, I introduce the term <i>critical optimism</i>—a reflective ethical stance that recognizes the fragility of human existence and the urgency of global crises while affirming our capacity to shape a more just and sustainable future. In the final section, I argue that Ricoeur’s framework offers a valuable lens through which to recontextualize climate change as a matter of environmental justice. I develop this claim through three philosophical desiderata: embodied meaning—humans are embodied beings capable of interpreting the world; asymmetric dependence—humankind’s survival depends on the Earth, but not vice versa; and environmental responsibility as ethical extension—our responsibility to others necessarily includes responsibility to the environment.</p>

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Anthropocide, Ricoeur, and Justice

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月14日

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  • David Grčki

摘要

This article addresses the concept of anthropocide—the death or self-inflicted extinction of humankind—and explores how the philosophy of Paul Ricoeur might help us avoid it. In the first part, I examine anthropocide in the context of climate change and analyse the concept of the Anthropocene, the geological epoch in which human activity has significantly impacted the Earth's ecosystems and climate. The second part focuses on Ricoeur’s philosophy, particularly his views on hermeneutics, time, action, and responsibility. Drawing on his work, I introduce the term critical optimism—a reflective ethical stance that recognizes the fragility of human existence and the urgency of global crises while affirming our capacity to shape a more just and sustainable future. In the final section, I argue that Ricoeur’s framework offers a valuable lens through which to recontextualize climate change as a matter of environmental justice. I develop this claim through three philosophical desiderata: embodied meaning—humans are embodied beings capable of interpreting the world; asymmetric dependence—humankind’s survival depends on the Earth, but not vice versa; and environmental responsibility as ethical extension—our responsibility to others necessarily includes responsibility to the environment.