Date of Completion

5-7-2015

Embargo Period

5-4-2025

Major Advisor

Cathy Schlund-Vials

Associate Advisor

Kerry Bystrom

Associate Advisor

Penelope Pelizzon

Associate Advisor

Christopher Vials

Field of Study

English

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Open Access

Open Access

Abstract

SourceURL:file://localhost/Users/ramonelinevsky/Downloads/DISSERTATION%20RAMON%20PENULTIMATE.doc This dissertation is an interdisciplinary project that focuses on the intersection of and the interrelationship between the human and non-human world through the lenses of lived experience and theoretical engagement. Philosophical, literary, and cultural in scope, it features both traditional analyses and creative non-fiction. Through personal reflections and memoir as well as analysis of American and British literature, nineteenth century continental philosophy, contemporary anthropology, and radical political thought, this dissertation investigates the concept of civilization, as a particular form of society defined by urbanization, technology, and hierarchy. It seeks to pose alternatives to civilization, in the realm of theory and lived practice. This work demonstrates the challenges of living outside of conventional society and problematizes the idealistic and utopian aspects of that vision. To summarize, this study contemplates and reflects on ways that we may live in a more harmonious and less exploitative way with our environment and concludes that the tensions within civilization persist as sites of struggle and open up radical spaces for possible intervention.

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