Questioning the virtues of pro-environmental behaviour research: Towards a phronetic approach |
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| Authors: | Tom Hargreaves |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Cranfield Energy, School of Energy, Environment and Agrifood (SEEA), Cranfield University, MK43 0AL, United Kingdom;2. Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, SW7 1NA, United Kingdom;3. Norwich Business School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom;4. Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom;1. Education and Competence Studies, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, The Netherlands;2. Management Studies, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN, Wageningen, The Netherlands;1. Technicka univerzita v Liberci, Katedra pedagogiky a psychologie, Fakulta prirodovedne-humanitni a pedagogicka, 1. maje 870/14, 460 03 Liberec, Czech Republic;2. Masarykova Univerzita, Fakulta socialnich studii, Katedra environmentalnich studii, Jostova 10 Brno 602 00 Czech Republic;1. Behaviour and Building Performance, Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge, 1 Scroope Terrace, Cambridge CB2 1PX, UK;2. Qeng-ho Ltd., 130 Chesterton Road, Cambridge CB4 1DA, UK;1. Department of Management, Faculty of Business Administration, Laval University, Pavillon Palasis-Prince, Local 1638, 2325, rue de la Terrasse, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;2. ITAM, Av. Camino a Sta. Teresa 930, Col. Héroes de Padierna, Mexico D.F. 10700, Mexico |
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| Abstract: | Drawing on Flyvbjerg’s (2001) call for the development of phronetic social science, this paper argues that much current research into pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) is misguided, and even potentially dangerous. After outlining Flyvbjerg’s argument, it reviews existing work on PEB and argues that, to date, it has predominantly sought after the Aristotelian intellectual virtues of either episteme or techne, and has neglected phronesis which Aristotle himself saw as most important. It then explores the ways in which aspects of a phronetic approach are being developed in cultural geography and environmental sociology, before offering a brief empirical case study of a PEB-change initiative to illustrate what a phronetic approach to research might look like. It concludes by calling for an improved and more reflexive dialogue between PEB researchers regarding the purpose and approach of their work, both in order to improve the relevance and impact of their research, and in order to help individuals and communities understand and confront the significant environmental challenges they currently face. |
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