In search of the timeless wisdom : an inquiry into the ecological implications of the loss of tradition in Western civilization

This thesis examines the 'way of thinking' that dominates the modern worldview, which has been, it is argued, responsible for the ecological crisis. 'Modernism' - which includes scientism, rationalism, humanism, and psychologism - is being universalized and applied throughout the world, largely by means of the Western-led process of globalization. The thesis traces the development of this thinking from its roots in early Christianity, through Scholasticism, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment, to the present day myth of material progress and growth. It is argued that predominant philosophical and practical solutions to the ecological crisis are limited since they are constructed within a conceptual framework which is part of the problem. The modem worldview represents a loss of traditional wisdom. 'Traditionalism' ‚ÄövÑvÆ or the sophia perennis ‚ÄövÑvÆ identifies the crisis as primarily a spiritual crisis. This timeless wisdom, which is found within all traditional religions, is investigated. The thesis notes the demise of this wisdom within Western Christianity during the Scientific Revolution, and identifies Islam as an example of a civilization which endeavoured to retain the restraining influence of the sophia perennis within its science. The thesis concludes by arguing that a metanoia ‚ÄövÑvÆ a transformation of consciousness leading to a change of thinking ‚ÄövÑvÆ urgently needs to occur if we are to acquire the means by which we can solve the ecological crisis.