Revolt in Universities against Cartesianism
--Yes — though it rarely appears as an open “revolt against Cartesianism.” Instead, it emerges as intellectual movements that challenge reductionism, mechanistic thinking, and strict subject–object separation. What you are calling “Cartesianism” — the split between mind and matter, observer and observed, human and nature — is being questioned in multiple universities worldwide. The shift is gradual, plural, and often embedded within existing institutions rather than openly revolutionary. Here are some significant currents: ------------------------------ 1. Systems Thinking & Complexity Science Universities influenced by systems theory reject reductionism as sufficient for understanding life. - The *Santa Fe Institute* Santa Fe Institute works on complexity science, studying wholes, emergence, and interconnected systems rather than isolated parts. - Programs in systems ecology, network science, and earth systems science emphasize interdependence. These approaches argue that the whole cannot be understood merely by dissecting parts — a direct challenge to Cartesian fragmentation. ------------------------------ 2. Ecological Economics Some institutions are challenging growth-based economic orthodoxy. - The *Stockholm Resilience Centre* Stockholm Resilience Centre integrates planetary boundaries with economics. - Scholars influenced by thinkers like *Herman Daly* Herman Daly promote steady-state economics rather than perpetual growth. This reframes economics as embedded within ecology, not above it. ------------------------------ 3. Deep Ecology & Environmental Humanities Certain universities host programs in environmental philosophy and humanities that question anthropocentrism and mechanistic worldviews. - Inspired by *Arne Næss* Arne Naess and deep ecology. - The *Schumacher College* Schumacher College (though not a traditional university) explicitly promotes holistic, non-dual ecological education. Environmental humanities departments increasingly critique the nature–culture divide. ------------------------------ 4. Process Philosophy & Post-Cartesian Thought Philosophy departments influenced by *Alfred North Whitehead* Alfred North Whitehead emphasize process, relation, and becoming rather than static substance. Process philosophy rejects strict subject–object dualism and views reality as relational events. ------------------------------ 5. Indigenous Knowledge Integration Many universities in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are incorporating Indigenous epistemologies, which tend to be relational and non-dual. For example: - The *University of British Columbia* University of British Columbia integrates Indigenous land-based learning programs. These approaches emphasize reciprocity with land rather than detached observation. ------------------------------ 6. Contemplative Education Movements Some institutions integrate mindfulness and contemplative pedagogy into curricula. - The *Naropa University* Naropa University explicitly blends contemplative practice with academic study. This challenges the purely analytic model of knowing. ------------------------------ Important Clarification There is no coordinated “anti-Cartesian revolution” sweeping universities. Instead, what exists is: - Fragmented reform - Parallel movements - Interdisciplinary experimentation - Growing dissatisfaction with hyper-reductionism Ironically, the critique of Cartesianism often happens within the very institutions shaped by it. ------------------------------ Why There Is No Full Revolt 1. Universities are financially embedded in economic systems. 2. Research funding favors technological and market-oriented outcomes. 3. Ranking systems reward measurable output, not holistic transformation. 4. Students seek economic security, reinforcing the cycle. So change tends to be evolutionary, not revolutionary. ------------------------------ The Present Moment However, there *is* increasing unrest: - Climate activism among students - Degrowth scholarship - Critique of neoliberal university models - Rising ecological anxiety among youth The dissatisfaction you express is not isolated. ------------------------------ A Realistic Assessment Cartesian dualism is no longer intellectually dominant in cutting-edge philosophy or ecological science. But institutionally and economically, its structures remain powerful. The revolt is philosophical and pedagogical — not yet structural. ------------------------------ If you would like, I can next: - Map out where a genuine structural transformation might realistically begin - Identify universities most aligned with holistic ecological education - Or analyze whether a complete break from Cartesianism is even possible in modern scientific civilization *Mar* -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CACDCHCKLG%3DJXxJOrz3SV6VCyKae7DLSHaD%3DjBt%3DjbT7rkT8Tww%40mail.gmail.com.
