Tenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

Mary Daly is known for her revolutionary work in feminist religious reflection. Her understanding of feminism entailed a strong commitment to ecological consciousness that has not been adequately recognized in ecofeminist discourse. Her formulation of “Elemental philosophy” sought to overcome the Western philosophical dualisms of matter and spirit that many ecological theorists have identified as a block to a robust ecological ethic. Her understanding of spirituality was rooted in a notion of participation in natural processes of “Be-ing” that contrasted to a scientific ethos of technological intervention into the natural world. Many of Daly’s warnings about the dangers of technology have been echoed in the recent work of Brett Frischmann and Evan Seliger on the unintended consequences of reliance on technology. At the same time, recent ethical reflection on technology notes that it is productive to avoid thinking of technology as a unified phenomenon. This context guides my exploration of the relative strengths of Daly’s notion of Volcanic Virtues and the philosopher Shannon Vallor’s exposition of technological virtues. On the one hand, Daly reduces all technological activity to a necrophilic impulse that stifles spiritual engagement with the world. This move forecloses meaningful engagement with any technology, which is not feasible in a culture dependent on technological advances. On the other hand, Vallor’s nuanced approach lacks the sense of urgency and respect for the inherent spiritual value of biological organisms that Daly’s virtues exemplify. Combining these perspectives brings out paths forward for responsible use of technology in a spiritual framework.