Advice from a sceptic: there is room for naturalism in ecopsychology?

  • Mark Hoelterhoff

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Articlepeer-review

Abstract

Ecopsychology has a rich history of embracing knowledge and practices from many traditions. This large umbrella has widely embraced religious and spiritual practices while at times rejecting mainstream psychology. Considering the future of ecopsychology, is there room in such an inclusive discipline for a naturalist approach? This essay explores the current metaphysical approaches in ecopsychology and making a case for naturalism. It explores both the metaphysical and methodological implications of naturalism and suggests ecopsychology is strengthened by a methodology that seeks reliability and validity. Naturalistic methodology allows space to recognise the importance of anecdotal accounts of spirituality and avoiding a completely secular ecopsychology.
Original languageEnglish
JournalEuropean Journal of Ecopsychology
Volume1
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 2010

Cite this