Non-Philosophical Theory of Nature

Anthony Paul Smith is an assistant professor in the Religion Department of La Salle University, USA

'Ecology is often the object of overly simple and inadequate philosophies; the revision of our naturalist and philosophical concepts should, however, go together. This is the aim of Anthony Paul Smith's investigation which makes use of the 'non-philosophical' hypothesis so as to bring these new relations between nature and thought up to date. A great book that masterfully takes these problems head on, theology among them, and renews the analysis and significance of ecology.' - Francois Laruelle, Professor Emeritus, Contemporary Philosophy, University of Paris X: Ouest-Nanterre-La Defense, France "The scientific study of nature is more complex than simple ecological epigrams would indicate; on the other hand, philosophy is more arduous than many scientists concede. Anthony Paul Smith inhabits both fields authentically and this important work shows the fruit of his interdisciplinary labors. We will be discussing the central theses of this pathfinding book for many decades.' - Liam Heneghan, Professor, Environmental Science, Co-Director, the Institute for Nature and Culture, DePaul University, USA 'In this highly-original book, Anthony Paul Smith sketches the contours of a new discipline: ecological thinking - not simply an ecological metaphysics but a metaphysics formed through thinking ecologically. Constructing a dialogue between Francois Laruelle, philosophical theology, and scientific ecology, he enables these ways of thinking to invade each other and cohabit together. Ground-breaking and timely, this book sets the cutting edge for contemporary thinking.' - Philip Goodchild, Professor, Religion and Philosophy, University of Nottingham, UK

• Introduction PART I: THE PERVERSITY OF NATURE FORECLOSED TO THOUGHT 1. Nature is not Hidden but Perverse 2. Ecology and Thought 3. Philosophy and Ecology 4. Theology and Ecology PART II: THE NON-PHILOSOPHICAL MATRIX 5. Theory of the Philosophical Decision 6. The Practice and Principles of Non-Philosophy 7. Non-Theological Supplement PART III: IMMANENTAL ECOLOGY AND ECOLOGIES (OF) THOUGHT 8. Real Ecosystems (of) Thought 9. Elements of an Immanental Ecology 10. Ecolologies without Nature PART IV: A THEORY OF NATURE 11. Separating Nature from the World 12. Materials for a Theory of Nature Conclusion: Theory of Nature