Facing Gaia

In Facing Gaia, Bruno Latour examines the concept of Gaia as a new framework for understanding nature amidst ecological changes. The book advocates for collaboration across disciplines.

The emergence of modern sciences in the seventeenth century significantly transformed our understanding of nature. Over the past three centuries, various fields such as theology, politics, economics, and especially the material sciences have continuously reshaped our ideas about the natural world. This evolution has led to a complex interplay of concepts that challenge traditional views and encourage a reevaluation of humanity's relationship with nature.

Today, we find ourselves in a period of unprecedented ecological change, often referred to as the Anthropocene. This new climatic regime reveals unexpected connections between human activities and the natural environment, prompting a collective need to revisit and redefine our earlier notions of nature. As we confront these challenges, the question arises: what framework will replace our outdated perspectives?

In Facing Gaia, Bruno Latour explores a compelling alternative proposed by James Lovelock through the concept of 'Gaia.' Rather than viewing Gaia as a singular organism or a divine entity, Latour presents it as a complex system that illustrates the intricate relationships between living phenomena and the Earth. Through a series of lectures on 'natural religion,' he advocates for a collaborative approach involving scientists, theologians, activists, and artists to navigate the complexities of our current ecological crisis and to develop a more nuanced understanding of nature's role in our lives.