JUSTIFYING THE GROUND FOR PHILOSOPHICAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE SEARCH FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

The UN’s call for environmental sustainability emphasizes the precarious condition of the earth’s environment in our time. This paper considers this as a litmus test for checking the applicability of philosophy in concrete situations and practical areas of human need, in reaction to those who regard it as obsolete. This paper therefore sets to address these twin questions: what is the actual state of the earth’s environments, and can philosophy be relevant to such environmental conditions? The paper pursues its twin aim of deepening our ecological knowledge and ascertaining the relevance of philosophy. The UN set Millennial goal on environmental sustainability (MDG-7) is used for illustration. The research is analytical in nature. Its finding(s) will be useful to all readers, students, environmentalists and policy makers alike.