Graduation Term

2017

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Department of Politics and Government: Political Science

Committee Chair

Kam Shapiro

Abstract

Several countries have adopted legal frameworks that recognize ‘nature,’ or nonhuman things in ‘nature,’ as rights-bearing entities in their own right. In this thesis, I ask what these laws can tell us about the possible political implications of post-humanist perspectives regarding nonhuman entities and ‘nature.’ To answer this question, I analyze the similarities and differences between recent post-humanist ecological perspectives (Bennett 2010; Latour 2014, 2004) and indigenous imaginaries that informed rights of nature laws in Ecuador, Bolivia, and New Zealand. This comparative analysis reveals a promising path for achieving sustainable relationships with nonhuman entities that promote environmental protection. Finally, I discuss some of the challenges involved in adopting post-humanist perspectives in the political and legal sphere. I conclude that while it is not without obstacles, the inclusion of post-humanist theories of ecology in legal frameworks can potentially encourage and reinforce ecologically-minded cultural attitudes.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

DOI

http://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2017.Kent.J

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