VLADIMIR BIBIKHIN

Vladimir Bibikhin (1938–2004)

was a researcher at the Institute of Philosophy of the Russian Academy of Sciences and one of the most important Russian philosophers of the twentieth century.

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‘An encounter of English-speaking audiences with Vladimir Bibikhin has been long overdue. I cannot think of a better text for introducing this outstanding philosopher than The Woods. Here, Bibikhin is at his virtuoso best: navigating between ancient thought and contemporary biology, theology and philosophy, East and West. This book is sure to transform your way of thinking.’
Michael Marder, author of Plant-Thinking: A Philosophy of Vegetal Life

‘At a time when we are urgently in need of a new holistic philosophy of life in order to understand our current situation on this fragile planet, this lecture course by one of Russia’s most eminent philosophers provides us with some profound and valuable ideas.’
Peter Trawny, Martin Heidegger Institute at the University of Wuppertal

Translated by Arch Tait, Vladimir Bibikhin's The Woods takes us into the dark psychological corners of this self-taught Soviet-era philosopher.
Tom Jeffreys, Guardian

In our modern, urbanized societies, our engagement with the natural world often seems distant and superficial. Human life is now far removed from its prehistoric origins, when humans dwelt deep within the forests and depended on them for their survival.

In this important book, Vladimir Bibikhin, one of Russia’s most influential twentieth-century philosophers, argues that, although most humans now live far from woods and forests, our existence remains profoundly linked to them. It was Aristotle who first appreciated their primal role, even deriving his notion of ‘matter’ from the Greek word for wood and forest. As timber, the woods may be seen as inanimate material, but at the same time they also constitute a living ecosystem and the source of energy and life. By opening up this duality, the woods are transformed from simple matter to a living environment, serving as a reminder that we belong to the world of biological life to a far greater extent than we usually think.

The Woods will be of interest to students and scholars in philosophy and the humanities generally and to anyone concerned with the environment and our relationship to the natural world.