Toward an ecological sublime: integrating Kant's aesthetics with Naess's ecosophy

This thesis develops the notion of the ecological sublime by integrating Immanuel Kant's aesthetics of the sublime with Arne Naess's ecosophy. Addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation necessitates more than mere technical or policy interventions; it calls for a profound philosophical transformation of humanity's relationship with nature. Kant's sublime frames encounters with enormous natural forces as instances that validate human reason and moral autonomy. At the same time, Naess's ecosophy rejects anthropocentrism in favour of biospherical egalitarianism and the ecological self. Although Kant's framework often sustains a human-nature dualism, his idea of disinterested judgment resonates with Naess's critique of instrumentalism, creating fertile ground for dialogue. This study proposes that the emotional intensity of the sublime can be shifted from human transcendence to ecological kinship, thereby erasing the distinctions between self and nature. The study examines the primary inquiry regarding the reconsideration of Kantian disinterested judgment to strengthen Naess's principle of biospherical egalitarianism. Sub-questions investigate the potential redefinition of the negative pleasure associated with the sublime as ecological humility instead of rational mastery, and how such a redefinition may stimulate ecological responsibility. Through a critical examination of Kant, Naess, and contemporary scholars, the thesis develops a normative framework positing that respect for nature strengthens ethical obligation. The ecological sublime consequently shifts aesthetic experience into ecological humility, harmonizing emotion with action. This synthesis enhances environmental philosophy by redefining the sublime as a source of moral motivation instead of human superiority. It has real-world effects on ecological education, policy-making, conservation, and eco-art, where emotional experiences can inspire ecological commitment. The ecological sublime offers an emotionally powerful ethical basis for dealing with environmental problems by changing the idea of the sublime from power to devotion. Ultimately, it rethinks protecting the environment not as a duty to others, but as a way to find oneself in a shared biosphere.