A Study On The Ecological Ethics In Nathaniel Rich’s Odds Against Tomorrow

Nathaniel Rich’s Odds Against Tomorrow(2013)is one of the representative works of climate fiction that has emerged in recent years.The author explores the correct position of modern people in nature by depicting the state and choice of characters in the apocalyptic crisis.Adopting Heidegger’s ideas of ecological ethics such as “ecological ontology,” “technological alienation,” and “poetic dwelling,” this thesis is attempting to analyze the disharmonious modern social pictures embodied in the novel and to explore the ecological ethics contained.The first chapter mainly introduces Nathaniel Rich,the main plot of Odds Against Tomorrow,the former studies about the novel,the theoretical perspective,the feasibility and significance of the thesis.The second chapter provides an ecological interpretation of the natural environment in which human survival occurs within the context of the ecological crisis.By specifically analyzing the loss of intrinsic value in human society and the absence of class justice,it delves deeply into the misunderstandings of nature resulting from self/other dichotomy such as anthropocentrism.The third chapter explores human reflections on ecological issues and examines the causes behind the current predicaments.It discusses the ignorance and alienation of humans from nature,highlighting the impact of technological alienation on both human-nature and human-human relationships.The fourth chapter analyzes the protagonist’s retreat to the desolate wilderness and the choice of self-sufficiency at the end of the novel,revealing its parallels with Heidegger’s notion of poetic dwelling.It proposes methods for constructing a harmonious ecological and ethical environment.By rebuilding shelters in barren lands and fostering care for nature to achieve harmony between humans and the natural world,this dwelling signifies the pursuit of letting all beings “be what they are.”The fifth chapter is the conclusion of this paper.Combined with the author’s concerns about the ecological environment,it can be seen that the plot setting of the novel is intended to discuss ecological ethics issues,and it highly responds to many ideas in Heidegger’s ecological ethics.The natural and social problems embodied in the novel should be discussed at a deeper and more original philosophical level,to arouse people’s attention to their long-term discipline.