Title

Language and Responsibility: The Possibilities and Problems of Poetic Thinking for Environmental Philosophy

Author Info

Eleanor D. Helms, Fordham UniversityFollow

Recommended Citation

Published in Environmental Philosophy, Volume 5, Issue 1, Spring April 1, 2008, pages 23-36.

NOTE: At the time of publication, the author Eleanor D. Helms was not yet affiliated with Cal Poly.

Abstract

There is a sense in which poetry can re-inscribe humans in their natural surroundings, but language—even poetic language—is also always problematic. In conversation with and in response to recent works by David Abram, I will delineate at least two ways in which poetic language separates and distinguishes humans from nature. I also argue for the importance of what is implicit or invisible (as opposed to tangible and sensuous). Language is a mode of human responsibility for the world, not just a sign or result of being part of it.

Disciplines

Philosophy

Copyright

2008 International Association for Environmental Philosophy.

Publisher statement

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