The Case of the Ecofeminist and the Crocodile “Becoming-Flesh” as an Extrophenomenological Reduction

Abstract

In 1985, while canoeing in Kakadu National Park, Australian environmental philosopher and ecofeminist Val Plumwood was attacked by a crocodile. She later wrote about her traumatic experience several times, reflecting on the incident, highlighting the moment of her “degradation” to becoming-prey, ie., mere meat for the crocodile. In my study, I interpret the meat-like anonymity resulting from the transformation into meat as an extrophenomenological reduction, dissolving our socio-culturally constructed "externality" in relation to nature. Becoming-prey comes from outside, yet the animal's aggression returns us to a vulnerable intimate continuity with nature. Becoming-prey takes us beyond the conceits of anthropocentrism. The event makes the ecofeminist feel existential gratitude towards nature.