Introducing my fellowship and research

This blog is going to be used to give an insight into my post-doctoral fellowship journey as I have been lucky enough to secure a fellowship from the ESRC for the next two years (Part-time). 

My research argues for a reconceptualisation of empathy as affective and embodied that encompasses both human and more-than-human entities, essential for fostering ethical global responsibility. In the context of the Anthropocene, I assert that empathy is central to global responsibility acting as a catalyst for transformative change. By critiquing traditional notions of empathy that focus solely on human perspectives, I highlight the necessity of a relational understanding that recognises the interconnectedness of all life forms. I then argue that the way to do this is to attempt to move towards understanding empathy as affective rather than as a combination of cognition and affect to illustrate the need for a non-hierarchical approach to empathy that incorporates the more-than-human.

I then explore the implications of viewing empathy as affective and embodied, arguing that this perspective enables a deeper understanding of the ethical responsibilities we hold toward the planet. Practical applications are discussed, including the integration of relational empathy into environmental education and policy frameworks using transdisciplinary practice. Ultimately, I advocate for an expanded view of empathy that can create significant shifts in both educational practices and policy-making, contributing to a more ethical approach to addressing the climate crisis.

This research will then inform a pedagogical design which will be used to set up transdisciplinary learning gardens. These will create a space for communities and students to gain a rich understanding of the environment whilst learning to think relationally with their world, whilst addressing climate issues relating to growth of food and plants.

The fellowship is going to be used to arrange my thesis into three publications which will help me to position my own research into the field I have been working and co-authoring in for the past 5 years, and raise its profile. It will also help me publish independently and improve my skills in writing for academic audiences. 

Objectives:

•        Paper 1 will elucidate the theoretical underpinnings of understanding empathy as affective and embodied, crucial for reshaping approaches to tackling the climate crisis with ethical consideration. This will serve to introduce the central thesis argument to my academic peers, providing a foundational framework for subsequent research activities within the field.

•        Paper 2 will serve as a practical guide for educational institutions and instructors. It will illuminate techniques essential for fostering the emergence of affective, embodied empathy, drawing upon analytical examples derived from PhD research visits. By facilitating relational thinking between humans and the more-than-human world, this publication aims to cultivate novel environmental perspectives through teacher development, among students, setting the stage for the integration of affective, embodied empathy into educational practices.

•        Paper 3 will envision an optimal learning environment conducive to the emergence of affective, embodied empathy, drawing from the thesis's discussion section. It will offer concrete examples and encourage exploration of pedagogical strategies for educators. Emphasising a transdisciplinary and creative approach to teaching and learning, aiming to cause ruptions in education.  

As part of my continued interest in photography, which I am keen to tie in with my research, I will also be posting images that I feel encapsulate moments of my journey. Hopefully it will brighten up my pages too.