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Understanding Sixth Extinction as a Hermeneutical Challenge

Project description

Towards a hermeneutics of the sixth mass extinction

The global reduction of biodiversity is now taking the proportions of a human-induced mass extinction. We possess accurate measurements and vast amounts of scientific data to quantify this problem; yet, its role in the public discourse is relatively limited. In this sense, the sixth extinction poses an urgent interpretive challenge. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the HERMEX6 project seeks to address this issue by exploring how qualitative frames impact our comprehension of the biodiversity crisis. Specifically, it aims to redefine the epistemic approach to extinction events, integrating insights from environmental humanities, natural sciences, and philosophy. The project promises to enhance science communication, inform conservation efforts, and influence policy guidance, in line with Europe’s biodiversity priorities.

Objective

HERMEX6 aims to elucidate the role of interpretative processes in our dealing with the global reduction of biodiversity, commonly referred to as “sixth extinction”. The contention is that, in this case, the difficulty to attribute value to scientifically attested facts is a problem of interpretation: we lack qualitative frames to elaborate the extinction event and the knowledge that describes it. The project intends to define, analyse and address this set of issues with regard to contemporary European societies.
After testing the initial hypothesis, the research project will formulate an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to the epistemic status of sixth extinction. HERMEX6 addresses a European top priority (with reference to the EU 20230 Biodiversity Strategy) and aims to fill a major gap in environmental humanities: it is therefore particularly timely. The whole project is tailored to the scientific profile of the candidate and to the characteristics of the host institution, the Pompeu Fabra University (UPF).
The project is planned to provide the candidate with an increased set of notions and skills and to sensibly boost the candidate’s career perspectives. UPF is an internationally renowned environment with several groups and initiatives addressing complex ecological problems in a transdisciplinary perspective. The indicated supervisor, Professor Santiago Zabala, is a leading expert in hermeneutics and philosophy of environmental emergencies. In its more far-ranging implications, HERMEX6 aspires to improve science communication and the uptake of scientific results, raise collective awareness, inform more effective conservation programmes and generate added value in the field of policy guidance and advisory.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSIDAD POMPEU FABRA
Net EU contribution
€ 165 312,96
Address
PLACA DE LA MERCE, 10-12
08002 Barcelona
Spain
Region
Este Cataluña Barcelona
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data