In lieu of this week’s entry into the Philosopher’s Lexicon, I invite you to tai a look at Planet Pailly’s series “Sciency Words”. This particular entry on the word “anthropocene” certainly invites philosophical contemplation. Enjoy!
As recently as 2012, scientists have confirmed there is life on Earth. Do not underestimate the effect life can have on a planet. Do not underestimate the even greater effect of intelligent life.
The term Anthropocene is a fairly new addition to the scientific lexicon. It’s still unclear whether or not the term will stick.
Anthropocene loosely refers to the era of Earth’s geological history when human beings (anthropos is Greek for human) have had the greatest geological impact on the planet.
As I was doing research for this, I actually thought it felt more like a good entry for Philosopher’s Lexicon than Sciency Words. The scientific value of this term is very much up for debate, but it has definitely sparked a lot of philosophical and/or ideological discussions.
I think it might be an appropriate term because we do, at the very least, live in a time wherein we *think* we have ultimate control over the earth and its resources. That might be enough to justify it, whether we actually have any control or not.