20/05/2024 11:00 - 13:15

HALL: FATESI - TOMASI

Proponent: Asproulis N.

Chair: Asproulis N.

Speaker: Asproulis N., Drygianakis C., Durante C., Kostarelos F., Miltos A., Nellist C.

Amongst various experts there is agreement that we are living in the Anthropocene. Coudrain et al. argue that the scientific evidence and arguments supporting the Anthropocene amount to a "paradigm shift" as Thomas Kuhn stated in The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, challenging scientists, and humanists to rethink ethical and philosophical perspectives on the role of human agency and entitlement over planetary resources. Following Kuhn on paradigm shifts in science and emergent religious studies discourse on the Anthropocene, this panel invites Orthodox theologians to reflect and respond to arguments about humanity's role in a bleak outlook for the future of life on earth articulated by Anthropocene proponents. Is the eco-theological discourse articulated by Orthodox theologians meeting the critical moment in which we are witnessing unprecedented human-induced climate catastrophes? What does the Anthropocene mean for Orthodox theologians, clergy, and laity as they adapt to a warming planet, droughts, wildfires, and air pollution? How does Orthodox theology address what may be irretrievable land, water and biodiversity loss on which food security and life itself depend? What does human and animal existence in the Anthropocene mean for theological and pastoral work?