The Connection of “Self-Realization!” with Diversity, Complexity, and Symbiosis

Abstract

531 "Self-realization!" with a capital S is a norm formulation inspired by the part of philosophy traditionally called metaphysics. The terms diversity, complexity, and symbiosis, on the other hand, are all taken from ecology. There is a kind of terminological tension. The function of "self-realization!" is in part to take care of human ethical commitments essential to avoid the uncritical cult of life characteristic of some philosophies of great impact early in the twentieth century. The conceptual bridge from self-realization to positive evaluation of diversity, complexity, and symbiosis is furnished by a concept of self-realization potential, and the idea that the overall self-realization in our world is increased by realization of such potentials. The plural of potentials is crucial: it introduces plurality in unity. The term self-realization by itself does not immediately suggest plurality, nor does the intuition urging "self-realization!" involve any plurality. Self with a capital S is a term connected with such metaphysical terms as Atman and the supreme whole. 1 These are cognitively obscure, but essential terms. In the last 2,500 years the relation between unity and plurality has been one of the main issues in philosophy, starting with Parmenides in the West. There is little chance, I happen to think, that any ecosophy X could significantly contribute to the solution of the conceptual problems involved. In the twentieth century there has been more search for "unity in plurality" than for "plurality in unity." If, however, one chooses to start with "self-realization!" it is the problem of transition to the manifold of nature that is most urgent. In the (T 0) formulations of Ecosophy T this is done by means of the