Animate Earth

Science, Intuition and Gaia

AvStephan Harding

E-bok

PDF, Engelska, 2009

264 kr

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Beskrivning

An exciting exploration into how Gaian science can help us to develop a sense of connectedness with the 'more-than-human' world. Written by ecologist Stephan Harding, Animate Earth argues that we need to establish the right relationship with the planet as a living entity in which we are indissolubly embedded - and to which we are all accountable. Now in its second edition, this fascinating book includes a new chapter on fungi, contemplative exercises and an update on the global climate situation. Stephan's work is based on careful integration of rational scientific analysis with our intuition, sensing and feeling - a vitally important task at this time of severe ecological and climate crisis. He replaces the cold, objectifying language of science with a way of speaking of our planet as a sentient, living being rather than as a dead, inert mechanism. Chemical reactions, for instance, are described using human metaphors, such as marriage, to bring personality back into the world of rocks, atmosphere, water and living things. In this sense, the book is a contemporary attempt to rediscover anima mundi (the soul of the world) through Gaian science, whilst assuming no prior knowledge of science.Discover what it means to live as harmoniously as possible within a sentient creature of planetary proportions with this inspiring read.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum:2009-03-05
Språk:Engelska
Antal sidor:288
Filformat:PDF
Kopieringsskydd:LCP
ISBN:9781907448249
Förlag:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Upplaga:2

Utforska kategorier

Naturhistoriska böcker inom Djur och Natur

Mer om författaren

Dr. Stephan Harding holds a doctorate in ecology from the University of Oxford. He is the Co-ordinator of the MSc in Holistic Science at Schumacher College, where he is also Resident Ecologist and a teacher on the short course programme.

Recensioner i media

"Animate Earth represents systems science at its best. I defy you not to be swept along by Stephan Harding's account of how the Earth's natural systems (particularly the carbon cycle) have evolved and of our part in them. In the process, he brings the concept of Gaia to life, not just in terms of the science, but philosophically and personally-giving a whole new dimension to what 'environment-friendly' really means." -- Jonathon Porritt, Chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission "The conception of the Earth as a living, self-organising system, known today as Gaia theory, is an ancient idea and yet one of the most radical and far-reaching scientific theories of the 20th century. In this remarkable book, Stephan Harding, who has worked closely with James Lovelock, tells the story in a way that is scientifically sophisticated, yet easy to understand and captivating. Harding writes about Gaia with great passion, and he eloquently discusses the theory's philosophical, social and political implications. I recommend Animate Earth to everyone concerned about the fate of our planet." -- Fritjof Capra, author of The Web of Life and The Hidden Connections "Stephan Harding is one of the few people who knows how to link the science of Gaia with the spirit of Gaia. He shows us that we must understand Gaia not just as an idea in our heads; we must also experience ourselves as part of her living being... A brave book which may upset people from both sides of the divide he seeks to bridge - which makes it all the more essential reading for those seeking to respond to the challenges of our times." -- Peter Reason, Professor of Action Research Practice, School of Management, University of Bath "For depth of understanding of Earth functioning and our human role in the process, Stephan Harding's Animate Earth is the finest of recent studies. It should be read, meditated on, and adopted as a guide to our human course of action if we would avoid the disaster of an ecological collapse of life on Earth." -- Thomas Berry, author of The Great Work and The Dream of the Earth "To read Animate Earth is to be taken on an incredible journey as Stephan invokes myth and storytelling to bring the living systems of Gaia to life" transitionconsciousness.wordpress.com "A wonderful and beautiful book." -- James Lovelock

Innehållsförteckning

AcknowledgementsA note on the second editionPreface by Lynn MargulisForeword by Brian GoodwinIntroductionAnima MundiEncountering GaiaFrom Gaia Hypothesis to Gaia TheoryLife and the ElementsCarbon JourneysLife, Clouds and GaiaFrom Microbes to Cell GiantsThe Forgotten KingdomDesperate EarthGaia and BiodiversityIn Service to GaiaBibliographyIndex