Michel Serres and the Planetary Emergency

Throughout his writing, French philosopher Michel Serres described ways of living in the future that could now prove essential in overcoming the destruction of humanity. This introduction to Serres’ ecological thought lays bare a philosophy that drew on a dazzling range of sources from myths, religion, mathematics, advanced science and the humanities and stands out as profoundly relevant to the challenges of what may prove to be the late Anthropocene era. Peter Johnson explores Serres’ key proposals for a new, shared social contract, and draws parallels between his philosophy and indigenous stories about the kinship of all nature. He also explains how Serres questions and enriches popular notions of ‘Big History’, and challenges widespread calls by environmental groups, politicians and corporations for sustainability and adaptability. Throughout, Serres’ thought is contrasted with a variety of contemporary arguments about the social and political roots of the current crisis. Most importantly, Serres’ thought offers hope about possibilities to come, with a particular emphasis on the skills of young people, the opportunities offered by global communication and access to knowledge. The book’s final section describes Serres’ vision for global knowledge sharing and new forms of communication technology and education, making it essential to all those who wish to explore the underlying roots of the ecological crisis and what we must confront if we are to avoid further destruction.