The application of Gestalt-theoretical ideas is not restricted to repeatable empirical experiments or therapeutic support. It may not even be restricted to purely human perception and cognition. As W. Köhler has already shown in 'Die physischen Gestalten' (1920), Gestalt-entities can also be classified as existing in certain domains and processes of reality itself. The ontological significance of this claim has been developed in a remarkable and consistent way by Norwegian eco-philosopher Arne Næss (1912-2009). The main hypothesis of his so-called Gestalt-ontology consists in the attribution of secondary and tertiary qualities (like feelings, values and other qualia) to reality as its concrete and partially experienceable Gestalt-like contents. In his view, reality - and nature in particular - is in- finitely rich in Gestalts and therefore infinitely full of value and mind. From this ontological position, Næss draws ethical and ‘eco-sophical’ consequences for a mindful treatment of nature. In this paper, I would like to discuss (a) how exactly Næss’ Gestalt-ontology and his notion of higher order Gestalts can be traced back to the original positions of C. von Ehrenfels, W. Köhler, and M. Wertheimer, (b) the practical consequences Næss’ Gestalt-ontology entails, and (c) the general relevance and possibility of enriching the ontological quest of delineating fundamental structures of reality with insights and the terminology of Gestalt-theory.
From Mindfulness of Nature to Mindfulness for Nature: The Gestalt-Ontology of Arne Næss
STADLER, Michael
2016
Abstract
The application of Gestalt-theoretical ideas is not restricted to repeatable empirical experiments or therapeutic support. It may not even be restricted to purely human perception and cognition. As W. Köhler has already shown in 'Die physischen Gestalten' (1920), Gestalt-entities can also be classified as existing in certain domains and processes of reality itself. The ontological significance of this claim has been developed in a remarkable and consistent way by Norwegian eco-philosopher Arne Næss (1912-2009). The main hypothesis of his so-called Gestalt-ontology consists in the attribution of secondary and tertiary qualities (like feelings, values and other qualia) to reality as its concrete and partially experienceable Gestalt-like contents. In his view, reality - and nature in particular - is in- finitely rich in Gestalts and therefore infinitely full of value and mind. From this ontological position, Næss draws ethical and ‘eco-sophical’ consequences for a mindful treatment of nature. In this paper, I would like to discuss (a) how exactly Næss’ Gestalt-ontology and his notion of higher order Gestalts can be traced back to the original positions of C. von Ehrenfels, W. Köhler, and M. Wertheimer, (b) the practical consequences Næss’ Gestalt-ontology entails, and (c) the general relevance and possibility of enriching the ontological quest of delineating fundamental structures of reality with insights and the terminology of Gestalt-theory.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
