CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2019
| Author | Shamshiev, Azim |
|---|---|
| Title | Environmental Virtue Ethics in the Mystical Thought of Jalal al-Din Rumi |
| Summary | Environmental virtue ethics (EVE) is an emerging area of scholarship within environmental ethics. It examines the questions of environmental ethics from the perspective of human character and virtues. Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi is a 13th century Muslim mystic (Sufi) whose works and teachings have gained world-wide popularity in recent decades. Rumi’s views have also been the subject of some ecological analysis suggesting their significance for environmental themes. In this context, this research explores the possibility of constructing a notion of EVE from Rumi’s mystical thought. The environmental role model approach has been widely employed by EVE scholars. Some prominent figures such as Henry David Thoreau, Aldo Leopold and Rachel Carson have been studied as environmentally virtuous personalities. This study proposes Rumi as the first non-Western, Muslim thinker whose teachings and personal example may serve as a philosophical framework and source of inspiration for cultivating environmentally sensitive mindsets, attitudes and patterns of behaviour. Virtues should be considered holistically since they do not operate in a vacuum. They rather function within a particular philosophical background and in relation to other character traits. As such holistic notions of EVE are generally more sensitive and responsive to broader contexts. Therefore, this research aims to construct Rumi’s model of EVE based on a holistic approach which consists of three pillars: cosmological framework (including images of nature), conception of human flourishing and comprehensive account of virtues and vices. Moreover, since Rumi’s life and worldview predate the environmental era, understanding the environmental implications of his broader philosophy, as required by the holistic approach, is instrumental to establishing a link between his virtues and environmental themes. The ecological value of Rumi’s views is premised on a theocentric vision of reality. It is articulated through certain images of nature such as the conception of nature as the cosmic Self-manifestation of the Divine and the ideas of all-encompassing love and spiritual vitality in nature. Attaining such perception of reality is contingent on a certain state of mind and character which is the goal of the process of inner transformation in Rumi. Therefore, Rumi’s virtues and vices are ecologically relevant for both their direct impact on nature and their role in leading self-transformation. Virtues, conceived as drivers of such transformation, may lead their possessor to (a) perceive the deeper non-material dimension of nature, (b) relate to it with a sense of respect, humility and appreciation, and (c) take responsibility for its well-being and preservation. |
| Supervisor | Watt, Alan |
| Department | Environment Sciences and Policy PhD |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2019/ephsha01.pdf |
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