Geoethics, Neogeography and Risk Perception: Myth, Natural and Human Factors in Archaic and Postmodern Society

Abstract

The present work combines anthropological–philosophical and geographical–geological research on man's perception of, and reaction to, natural catastrophes such as earthquakes. The first part of the study offers an articulate and cohesive picture of the defense mechanisms man has deployed; since ancient cultures, against this risk, these are identified with mythical–ritualistic repetition. At critical moments, man develops a series of practical strategies resting on ritual action. The second part of this work is a synthesis of research on the perception of seismic risk in the area of Pollino, where it is been four years that an ongoing earthquake swarm is affecting the area between Calabria and Basilicata. The perception of seismic risk is an important dimension for the schedule. Geoethics can certainly help especially in educating the territory in terms of integrated risk management. In this context, a questionnaire was administered to the students of primary and secondary education and to a sample of adults in some villages affected by the earthquake of Pollino. Our study reveals that with the passing of time, the “indisputable certainty” of the earthquake as a form of divine punishment, which dates back to ancient societies, is today falling apart as in particular young people have an understanding of man's responsibility in the causing of natural catastrophes. Improved communications through new information technologies, awareness of the complexity of risk, and the level of preparation would increase the resilience of the territory and to allow a more effective planning.