The two papers in this issue invite us to consider, and think beyond, the humanist ‘conceit’ that separates humanity from nature. Kate Rigby works with the critique of Judaeo-Christian traditions, and searches for a project of earth repair that involves reconciliation with our own animality. Nick Gill and Kay Anderson take up the issue from a posthumanist perspective. Their analysis of pastoralism and the settlement of inland Australia offers an analytic critique of continuities in the colonising landscape imagination. Both papers direct us away from the hubris of belief in our own superiority and thus in our capacity to know how to ‘improve’ nature.
In addition, we offer readers a Preview of Rod Giblett ‘s new book Living with the Earth.
Next papers will be considered mid-February 2005.
Deborah Rose and Libby Robin
Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies
Australian National University, Canberra