ARE ANIMISTIC TEMPORAL ONTOLOGIES A SOLUTION TO THE CLIMATE CRISIS?

Abstract

The article examines whether “animistic” and so-called “indigenous ontologies” – particularly alternative conceptions of nature and time – can meaningfully contribute to addressing the climate crisis. It argues against treating animism or indigenous knowledge as coherent, ready-made ecological solutions opposed to modern science, showing instead that such approaches often rely on cultural essentialism and problematic binaries. Drawing on anthropology, philosophy of science, and environmental humanities, the article offers analysis of debates on nature and temporality, demonstrating that both scientific and non-scientific knowledge are socially embedded yet materially constrained. Focusing on anthropological theories of time, it critiques simplistic distinctions between different temporalities as systems and argues that time is produced through social practice and power relations. It is concluded that contemporary societies already inhabit multiple, overlapping temporal regimes which structure ecological action. Addressing climate change therefore requires a practice-centred rethinking of agency, nature, and time, rather than adopting “animistic ontologies” as ethical prescriptions.