The Southern African Society for Environmental Philosophy was established in 2023 thanks to a generous grant from the National institute for Human and Social Sciences as part of the Catalytic Research Programme.
There are several philosophers already working on these issues within Southern Africa (many of the countries in the SADC region), and although some informal environmental philosophy groups exist, there is not currently a formal association in South Africa (or Southern Africa) dedicated to environmental philosophy. There also has not been a conference dedicated to environmental philosophy held in South Africa. SASEP hopes to address these vacuums.
The aim is for SASEP to become a permanent part of the academic landscape going forward, and that annual conferences can be held that continuously contribute to the development of environmental philosophy in Southern Africa.
“In nature’s economy the currency is not money, it is life.” – Vandana Shiva
Dr Yolandi M. Coetser is a senior lecturer in at North West University’s School of Philosophy. She graduated with a Dlitt et Phil in Philosophy from the University of Johannesburg in 2018. She has worked at various private and public institutions and spent several years teaching at the University of South Africa, before beginning with a Postdoctoral Fellowship. She has been at the North West University since 2020. She is an environmental philosopher, and, as such, she investigates various dimensions of the human’s relationship with both the environment and its inhabitants. There are many ethical dimensions that she investigates – from the ethics of specific uses of animals (like animals in art or circuses) to more abstract ethical notions of relationality.
Aïda C. Terblanché-Greeff was previously appointed as an extraordinary researcher at the research unit Social Transformation and is currently a senior lecturer at the School of Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities, at the North-West University (South Africa). She holds degrees in various academic fields obtained from this institution. More specifically, she has a BA in Humanities, BA (Hons.) in Psychology, and a MA in Development and Management (specialising in disaster studies). She also has a PhD in Philosophy obtained from the University of Johannesburg (South Africa). In general, her research is interdisciplinary and empirically engaged. Her research interests include African philosophy, social philosophy, cross-cultural studies (viz., psychology and philosophy), and environmental ethics. She has published academic articles and book chapters with reputable national and international journals and publication houses.
Elsie Bokaba received her BA in Humanities, BHSc in Psychology and BA Honours in Philosophy at the North-West University. Currently she is a temporary lecturer in the Philosophy department at the North-West University while also studying towards her MA in Philosophy. Through her academic endeavours, Elsie promotes awareness on the importance of diversity and inclusion regarding environmental concerns in the discipline of African Philosophy.
SASEP hopes to bring philosophers and others from tangential fields (e.g. such as environmental and animal law, conservation, environmental management) together to consider issues related broadly to the environment and its inhabitants. Furthermore, SASEP, and its associated conferences, will provide space for established and emerging environmental philosophers from Southern Africa and beyond to share their research and exchange ideas that focus on all aspects of the environment from philosophical perspectives. The society will welcome a diverse range of philosophical approaches, and also encourage interdisciplinary dialogue with those from nascent academic disciplines, such as the environmental sciences, social sciences, and others.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Senior lecturer
Senior lecturer
Masters Student
© Copyright 2024 SASEP
© Website by aragorn@further.co.za