A Study Of William Leiss’s Natural Emancipation

William Leiss(hereinafter referred to as Leiss)is an early representative of ecological Marxism.He combined Marxism with ecological theories and established an ecological Marxist theoretical system aimed at realizing the "liberation of nature".Leiss’ s ecological Marxism theory can be analyzed from two levels: ideology and material needs: From the ideological level,Leiss starts with the concept of "controlling nature" and traces the deep-seated causes of ecological crises.He believes that human society After going through the process from fearing nature to controlling nature,the object of this control force has gradually shifted from nature to man in capitalist society,that is,controlling nature is actually controlling man himself.From the perspective of material needs,Leiss analyzed the needs of people in capitalist society.Leiss believes that in the social and economic structure of capitalism,human needs are in a fragmented state,and it is extremely difficult to match a huge number of commodities with complex connotations.The satisfaction of human needs has turned into a restraint on humans.On this basis,Leiss proposed a path to realize the liberation of nature: first,from the conceptual level to transform the control of nature to liberate nature,and liberate nature through the construction of human’s own ecological ethics;secondly,establish a reasonable economic structure to integrate commodity production with humans.To match the needs of the country,by reducing unnecessary consumption and waste,reducing the loss and destruction of nature,and liberating nature from the material level.Realizing the liberation of nature through the transformation of ideology and material needs,but also the liberation of man himself.The thesis uses literature analysis and comparative research methods to carry out research on Leiss’ s emancipation of mind.First,it discusses the background of the formation of Leiss’ s natural emancipation and the theory that has an important influence in the formation of his theory.Secondly,based on the text,it analyzes Leiss’ s criticism of the concept of "control of nature" and the dilemma of needs in capitalist society;and expounds the "society that is easy to survive" proposed by Leiss.Finally,combining the theoretical viewpoints of relevant eco-Marxist scholars to make an overall evaluation of Leiss’ s emancipation mind,summarize and refine its core content,and analyze its theoretical shortcomings.Strive to summarize the suggestions for reference for the solution of contemporary ecological problems.