Dualism and sustainability

This paper argues that there are two forms of knowledge, intuitive and rational. Duality refers to the separation of the two and the trivialisation of intuitive knowledge, the form that has historically governed the inner relationship of humans to the natural world. The scientific-industrial revolution saw not only the banishment of intuitive knowledge but the elevation of a particular form of rationality, instrumental rationality, the form that provides the basis for modern economics. The transition from participating to non-participating consciousness heralded a new mode of self-awareness, an isolated ego existing 'inside' the body, and an acute psychological loss. The consciousness of non-participation meant that the natural world was now seen as essentially dead. It could therefore be exploited for the material benefit of humans. While recognising the value of reason, the well-spring of environmentalism is intuitive knowledge. Environmentalism seeks to transcend duality, reassert the cosmic unity and breathe life back into Nature. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.