The Concept of Nobilis Barbarus in the Light of Contemporary Ecological Challenges
Ryszard F. Sadowski
Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Institute of Ecology and Bioethics, Wóycickiego 1/3, building 23, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland (Poland)
Abstract
The concept of the noble savage present in Western culture expresses the belief in the nobility of human nature which impels man to lead life in harmony with nature, oneself and other people. The article distinguishes and examines four different ways in which this concept is approached. These are: classical approach, naturalistic approach, Arcadian approach, and ecological approach. The study makes an assessment of the concept of the noble savage, and demonstrates that it is incompatible with contemporary state of research on human nature and with man’s activity in the world. The assessment focuses on the ecological approach to the concept of the noble savage (the so-called ecological Indian), which entered mass culture and shapes false beliefs about man’s capabilities in relation to nature.
Keywords:
noble savage, nobilis barbarus, ecological Indian, pristine myth, ecological crisisReferences
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Authors
Ryszard F. SadowskiCardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Institute of Ecology and Bioethics, Wóycickiego 1/3, building 23, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland Poland
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