“The Ecology of Freedom” (M. Bookchin) – Summer Reading Group

Murray Bookchin’s book The Ecology of Freedom has become a classic of left ecological thought. Starting with the simple yet radical premise that the “very notion of the domination of nature by man stems from the very real domination of human by human,” this rich work creatively draws from philosophy, anthropology, ecology, history, political theory, and more to evocatively describe not only the emergence of hierarchy, but its potential transcendence by a new society that is ecological, democratic, and truly free.

Hosted by the Institute for Social Ecology, this free 8-week reading group will meet weekly via Zoom video seminar. An ISE facilitator will introduce the central themes of the week and pose some potential questions to guide the discussion. We will record and post video from each session afterward. Our conversations can continue between sessions via an optional online discussion forum. A digital copy of the text will be provided,, hard copies can be ordered via AK Press. We aim for an engaging, informative, and interactive seminar atmosphere where we can grapple with the insights of this classic work.

To register for the reading group, please complete the form at the bottom of the page or contact us at social-ecology@mail.mayfirst.org. The reading group is free, participants are welcome to make a voluntary donation here.

You can find the whole syllabus of the course here.