Anthropocene Conjunctions: Scientist Activism and Ethos in the Climate and Ecological Emergency

Research output: Book/ReportPh.D. thesisResearch

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Abstract

This PhD dissertation consists of four independent research articles and an introductory chapter responding to the following research questions: How do contemporary expressions of scientist activist rhetoric unfold and function within the broader spectrum of knowledge work and climate politics? How is scientific ethos (re)negotiated in scientist activist rhetorical practices in the climate and ecological emergency? What would productive trajectories for scientist activism in times of crisis look like, and how can we get there? The
dissertation uses a rhetorical-critical framework engaging with multiple fields to examine discussions among scientists about the responsibilities and purposes of social action in the climate and ecological emergency as well as scientist activist protest events attempting to persuade the wider public, especially those in power, that substantial climate policy is needed, while doing so in the name of science. The methodology of critical rhetoric is discussed in relation to these topics as well as to the dissertation’s author’s specific research trajectory during the past three years.
Overall, the dissertation argues that discursive shifts in the broader climate debate affords new rhetorical opportunities for scientists. The scientists seizing on these opportunities by engaging in activism and social movement work inevitably engage in a rhetorical (re)negotiation of scientific ethos. It is argued that especially the unruly bodily rhetoric of scientists and the movement of scientists’ bodies between different sites generates questions about the role and responsibilities of scientists in the Anthropocene.
Scientist activists thus productively engage in the climate and ecological crisis by critically interrupting preconceived notions of science and society. A conceptualization of rhetorical ethos as place-based and ‘unrestful’ is offered to account for these movements. It is argued that scientist activists could benefit from increasing the focus in their rhetorical practice on the ways in which science itself is entangled with the planetary destruction of the fossil economy. A rhetorical-humanistic approach to social movement work and activism can assist the efforts of scientists to grapple with these questions – and, in turn, the unravelling and evolving ‘unrestful’ relations of science, society, and the biosphere places difficult demands on rhetorical critics working with these subjects.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationKøbenhavn
Number of pages211
Publication statusPublished - 31 Aug 2023

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