A Metaphysics of Intersubjectivity for an Integral Ecology. The Relevance of Teilhard and Whitehead for the vision of Laudato Sí

Integral ecology is a key concept in Pope Francis’ encyclical on ecology, Laudato Sí. In seeking solutions to the complex environmental crisis, Pope Francis calls for an integrated approach that explains interrelatedness in the cosmic reality. In this paper, I suggest that a revision and combination of the insights of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955) and Alfred North Whitehead (1861-1947) will produce a new intersubjective relational understanding of God, the world and the human community. This process-oriented metaphysical notion of intersubjectivity can be explained as a balance between multiplicity and unity, between multiple subjects of experience and the higher-order levels of existence and activity, which they achieve by their dynamic interaction. I propose that the notion of intersubjectivity can lay a metaphysical foundation for the vision of an integral ecology. Moreover, I argue that the notion of intersubjectivity helps us to repudiate the one-sided anthropocentric worldview and to embrace a balanced ecocentric worldview of reality. Finally, I suggest that an interrelated approach to the different dimensions of ecology enumerated by Francis, namely, environmental, economic, social, cultural, and human, will be a comprehensive solution towards Francis’ appeal for combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature.status: publishe