Mining and otherness: how the jonasian perspective is imperative for disaster prevention
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5380/dma.v68i.98311Keywords:
Hans Jonas, mining, water, theory of responsibilityAbstract
The aim of this article is to analyze, from Hans Jonas’ perspective, the impact of mineral extraction activities on underground water bodies and their consequences for human and non-human supply, using the theory of responsibility of the German philosopher, especially from his concept of “Heuristics of fear”. First, it seeks to expose the metaphysical foundations that led to the imposition of a way of relating between human beings and nature, based on the dualism of human beings versus nature, so criticized by Jonas. Furthermore, it places the Jonasian critique of technique, taking as a reference mineral exploration and mineral extraction activities with their impacts on water bodies as one of the most solid and practical examples of the consequences resulting from this dualism. From there, the possibility of an ethically responsible mining is discussed, outlining the ethical limits for the mining activity. In this sense, an ethical imperative will be pointed out for us to think about economic activities that fit not only current generations and their needs, but also the survival needs of future generations.
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