From Divinity to Instrumentalization: A Historical and Philosophical Portrait of Nature

Authors : Osman Zeybek

Pages : 1-18

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Publication Date : 2025-12-22

Article Type : Review Paper

Abstract :This article explores the historical and philosophical evolution of the human-nature relationship. Across history, philosophical thought has profoundly influenced how nature is perceived, transitioning from its reverence as a sacred order in ancient times to its instrumentalization in the modern era. This transformation, evident in the ideas of Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, and others, has significantly shaped humanity\\\'s alienation from nature and contributed to contemporary ecological crises. The paper discusses these shifts and examines the rise of romanticism and contemporary ecological philosophies—such as deep ecology, ecofeminism, social ecology, and the Gaia hypothesis—that propose reimagining this relationship. These philosophies advocate viewing nature as possessing intrinsic value and call for harmonizing human existence with the natural world. By analyzing philosophical foundations and their historical contexts, the article argues that addressing ecological crises requires a critical reassessment of the human-nature relationship. It concludes by proposing a new intellectual framework to foster sustainable and meaningful coexistence with nature, emphasizing the necessity of integrating ethical, cultural, and ecological perspectives into contemporary thought and practice.
Keywords : doğa, felsefe, insan-doğa ilişkisi, ekolojik krizler, sürdürülebilir bir arada yaşama

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