Philosopher Shane Epting on Urban Life

Philosophical Cities: Shane Epting on Moral Ordering

Can we ethically design our cities to prioritize both human justice and nature?

In a recent interview, Dr. Shane Epting, Assistant Professor at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, revealed why armchair philosophy fails urban dwellers. Epting argues that traditional ethics fall short of addressing modern technological challenges, advocating instead for a “moral ordering” system that navigates the complex interests of marginalized communities and the nonhuman world. He critiques “ecocentrism” as epistemologically unsound, proposing “weak anthropocentrism” as the only honest framework for city planning. Drawing from personal experience with public transportation, Epting insists that urban design must be a collaborative process driven by stakeholders, not abstract theory. His philosophy is grounded in the practical reality of the street, urging us to address present human suffering before speculating on distant futures. Epting views the city as a philosophical laboratory, proving that the most profound wisdom is found in navigating urban chaos.