HERMEX6 · Understanding Sixth Extinction as a Hermeneutical Challenge

HERMEX6 aims to elucidate the role of interpretative processes in our dealing with the global reduction of biodiversity, commonly referred to as “sixth extinction”. The contention is that, in this case, the difficulty to attribute value to scientifically attested facts is a problem of interpretation: we lack qualitative frames to elaborate the extinction event and the knowledge that describes it. The project intends to define, analyse and address this set of issues with regard to contemporary European societies. After testing the initial hypothesis, the research project will formulate an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to the epistemic status of sixth extinction. HERMEX6 addresses a European top priority (with reference to the EU 20230 Biodiversity Strategy) and aims to fill a major gap in environmental humanities: it is therefore particularly timely. The whole project is tailored to the scientific profile of the candidate and to the characteristics of the host institution, the Pompeu Fabra University (UPF). The project is planned to provide the candidate with an increased set of notions and skills and to sensibly boost the candidate’s career perspectives. UPF is an internationally renowned environment with several groups and initiatives addressing complex ecological problems in a transdisciplinary perspective. The indicated supervisor, Professor Santiago Zabala, is a leading expert in hermeneutics and philosophy of environmental emergencies. In its more far-ranging implications, HERMEX6 aspires to improve science communication and the uptake of scientific results, raise collective awareness, inform more effective conservation programmes and generate added value in the field of policy guidance and advisory.