From “Plant blindness” to the “Plant revolution”

Abstract

The essay examines the dynamics currently at work within Western culture that are enabling, both at scientific and philosophical levels, a potential end to what might be termed a “plant blindness”, and that could pave the way for a genuine “plant revolution”. After outlining this blindness from multiple perspectives – ontological, epistemological, phenomenological, historical-cultural, and ethical – the essay shows a careful interpretation of recent research findings may foster a more nuanced understanding of the vegetal world. Such an understanding could challenge prevailing anthropocentric, hierarchical, and zoocentric frameworks that persist, often in the form of implicit biases.