In an era marked by shifting paradigms, the concept of "philosophical health" has emerged as a crucial framework for understanding and cultivating human flourishing. Introduced in two books in 2024 (Bloomsbury), this approach offers a holistic perspective on well-being and quality of lives that transcends traditional boundaries between philosophy, psychology, and social sciences. Central to philosophical health is the recognition that our mental and emotional states are deeply entangled with our physical, social, and environmental contexts. Thus, the ecosystem of our philosophical health encompasses not only individual well-being but also the web of relationships and environments that support or hinder this state.
The ecosystems of philosophical health stress the importance of nurturing our environments and paying attention to the often-overlooked factors that influence our philosophical state of well-being. Just as natural ecosystems require balance and diversity, as well as the right conditions - such as sunlight, water and nutrients - to thrive, so do our philosophical ecosystems.
This might involve fostering spaces where critical thinking, ethical reflection, and open dialogue can flourish. It might involve certain urban landscapes that are not only significant consumers of energy but also spaces where diverse thought and cultural exchange are possible. It might include certain policies or specific educational approaches in which ecological narratives and worldviews find a place within the curricula.
We are seeking contributions for a peer-reviewed edited volume titled "Ecosystems of Philosophical Health," which aims to explore the interconnected nature of philosophical well-being in various contexts. This volume will build upon the six elements of philosophical health: bodily sense, sense of self, sense of belonging, sense of the possible, sense of purpose, and philosophical sense.
We invite scholars from diverse disciplines including philosophy, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and related fields to submit chapter proposals that examine how one of these six elements of philosophical health interact within and can be fostered by different ecosystems – be they personal, social, professional, or environmental.
Potential topics may include, but are not limited to:
1. The role of embodiment in cultivating philosophical health across cultures
2. Intersections of self-identity and collective belonging in digital ecosystems
3. Exploring the sense of the possible in educational environments
4. Purpose-driven organizations and their impact on employee philosophical well-being
5. The philosophical sense in political ecosystems and its influence on policy-making
6. Ecological and systems-thinking approaches to nurturing holistic philosophical health
7. Comparative studies of philosophical health ecosystems in various cultural contexts
8. The impact of technological ecosystems in general and AI ecosystems in particular on our sense of self and belonging
9. Philosophical health in healthcare ecosystems: implications for patient care and medical ethics
10. The role of art and creativity in fostering philosophical health within community ecosystems
We are equally interested in chapters that offer novel theoretical frameworks, present empirical research, or provide case studies that illuminate the complex interplay between individual philosophical health and broader ecosystems.
Abstracts of 500 words should be submitted by 31 January 2025 here: https://form.jotform.com/242743297948068. A symposium to discuss first drafts will be organised in the summer of 2025. Final chapters of 5000-8000 words will be due by December 2025. Please include a brief bio and contact information with your submission.