Afectividad Ambiental Sensibilidad, empatía, estéticas del habitar

The book is widely praised as an urgent and profound call to attention, prompting deep ethical reflection on what is described as "civilizational ontological collapse" and humanity's relationship with nature. Reviewers highlight its central argument that the ecological crisis stems not just from technical failures, but from a rationalist tradition that separates reason from emotions, leading to environmental exploitation. A key concept, "epistemo-esthesis," is introduced as a new way of knowing through senses, emotions, and empathy, fostering a profound connection with the environment and championing the idea that "we are all one with all." The book advocates for recovering our capacity to feel and act with an "ethics of contact," drawing inspiration from indigenous and peasant wisdom to move towards a more loving and harmonious inhabitancy of Earth. Authors are commended for exposing a "capitalist affectivity regime" that dulls our empathy, promoting a political struggle to redefine our desires and reconnect with the planet for collective health.

However, the book faces significant criticism regarding its writing style. One reviewer found the language to be overly academic and dense, likening it to a "huge curatorial text of a contemporary art exhibition." This perceived complexity made the book "very tiring to read," ultimately leading the reviewer to discontinue reading before finishing. This suggests that while the ideas presented are profound and important, their presentation might be a barrier for some readers, potentially hindering accessibility and broader engagement with its crucial message.

In conclusion, the book offers a profoundly insightful and urgent philosophical exploration of our environmental crisis, proposing a radical shift in how humanity perceives and interacts with the natural world. Despite its challenging prose, its core message of interconnectedness, empathy, and a reawakening of our senses is considered vital for addressing contemporary ecological issues. It would appeal most to readers interested in deep ecological philosophy, critical theory, and those seeking to challenge anthropocentric viewpoints and rethink their relationship with the planet. Those who appreciate academic or complex intellectual discourse and are willing to engage with demanding text to uncover transformative ideas will find this book particularly rewarding.