Do Trees Have Souls? | Prof. Joshua Hochschild

Feb 21, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Professor Joshua Hochschild, a philosophy expert from Mount St. Mary’s University, delves into whether trees have souls through an Aristotelian lens. He highlights the profound connections between trees and human identity, exploring their cultural and spiritual significance. The talk also uncovers groundbreaking research on trees as intelligent, communicative organisms, challenging the competitive narrative of nature. Hochschild emphasizes the need to harmonize modern biology with philosophical ideas to enrich our understanding of life.

Ask episode

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

The Soulful Nature of Trees

07:06 • 5min

Aristotle's Nature and Tree Intelligence

11:36 • 26min

The Interconnection of Life and Aristotelian Philosophy

37:52 • 8min

The Secret Life of Bees

Sue Monk Kidd

Set in South Carolina during 1964, 'The Secret Life of Bees' tells the story of fourteen-year-old Lily Owens, whose life is shaped by the blurred memory of her mother's death. After her nanny, Rosaleen, is arrested for insulting racists, Lily and Rosaleen escape to Tiburon, South Carolina, in search of a new life. They are taken in by three black beekeeping sisters—August, May, and June—who worship the Black Madonna. The novel explores themes of mothers, love, conviction, and forgiveness as Lily navigates her past, her prejudices, and her newfound sense of belonging. It is a powerful story about the healing power of love and the divinity of the female spirit[1][3][5].

That Hideous Strength

C. S. Lewis

Published in 1945, 'That Hideous Strength' is the final book in C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy. The story takes place on Earth and follows the character Mark Studdock, a young sociology faculty member at Bracton College, as he becomes entangled with the National Institute of Co-ordinated Experiments (N.I.C.E.), a sinister organization with totalitarian ambitions. The novel delves into themes of faith, doubt, and the struggle between good and evil, featuring characters from the previous books in the trilogy, including Elwin Ransom. It critiques the dangers of logical positivism and the erosion of moral values, drawing parallels with other dystopian works like George Orwell's '1984'[1][2][5].

Finding the Mother Tree

Suzanne Simard

In 'Finding the Mother Tree,' Suzanne Simard combines her personal narrative with scientific insights to reveal the complex, interdependent relationships within forest ecosystems. The book highlights her research on the 'Wood Wide Web,' a network of mycorrhizal fungi that connects trees, allowing them to share nutrients and information. Simard also shares her personal journey, including her upbringing in the rainforests of British Columbia, her struggles within the male-dominated logging industry, and her groundbreaking experiments that challenge conventional wisdom about forest ecology. The book emphasizes the cooperative nature of trees, particularly the role of 'Mother Trees' as hubs in these networks, and explores the implications of this research for sustainable forestry and combating climate change.

Othello

The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice

William Shakespeare

Written around 1603, 'Othello' is a tragedy that delves into the destructive nature of jealousy and the vulnerability of trust in relationships. The play follows Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, whose marriage to Desdemona is manipulated by his ensign Iago, leading to tragic consequences. Iago exploits Othello’s insecurities about his race and marriage, sowing seeds of doubt that ultimately result in the death of Desdemona and Othello's own downfall. The play is renowned for its exploration of racial and cultural issues, as well as its nuanced portrayal of human nature and the complexities of love and trust.

My Antonia

Willa Cather

The novel, narrated by Jim Burden, recounts his childhood and adolescence on the Nebraska prairie and his deep friendship with Ántonia Shimerda, the daughter of a family of Bohemian immigrants. The story explores themes of pioneer life, the American Dream, the immigrant experience, and the passage of time. Ántonia faces numerous hardships, including her father's suicide, near-rape, and abandonment by a lover, yet she remains resilient and strong. The novel is praised for its poetic descriptions of the landscape, its portrayal of a complex female protagonist, and its exploration of cultural diversity and gender roles.

Plantasapiens

null

Paco Calvo

The Overstory

Richard Powers

The Overstory is a sweeping and impassioned work of environmental fiction that follows the lives of nine individuals whose paths are intertwined by their connections to trees. The novel is structured in four parts – 'Roots', 'Trunk', 'Crown', and 'Seeds' – mirroring the parts of a tree. It delves into themes of ecology, climate change, and the interconnectedness of trees and humans, using a blend of science, history, and magical realism. The book advocates for the protection of trees and the natural world, posing critical questions about humanity's relationship with the environment and the long-term consequences of human actions[2][4][5].

To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee

Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a classic novel that explores themes of racial injustice, childhood innocence, and moral courage in the American South. The story is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl who witnesses the trial of Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of a crime. Lee's powerful storytelling captures the complexities of race relations in the Jim Crow South, highlighting the prejudice and injustice faced by Black people. The novel's enduring appeal lies in its exploration of universal themes of empathy, compassion, and the importance of standing up for what is right. It remains a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality in America.

The Lord of the Rings

J.R.R Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will[3][4][5].

The Giving Tree

Shel Silverstein

The Giving Tree is a children's picture book that follows the relationship between an apple tree and a boy from childhood to old age. The tree selflessly provides for the boy's needs at each stage of his life, from apples and branches to a trunk for a boat. Despite the boy's increasing demands and eventual neglect, the tree continues to give, highlighting themes of unconditional love, selflessness, and the consequences of human actions on nature. The book is a powerful metaphor for life, love, and the importance of appreciating and respecting the gifts of nature and relationships.

Pilgrim at Tinker Creek

Annie Dillard

In 'Pilgrim at Tinker Creek', Annie Dillard recounts her experiences and reflections on nature over the course of a year. The book is divided into four sections, each corresponding to a season, and details her observations of the natural world, from stalking muskrats and watching monarch butterfly migrations to examining pond water under a microscope. Dillard's narrative is a profound meditation on the beauty, brutality, and interconnectedness of nature, inviting readers to see the world with fresh eyes and appreciate its wonders. The book is known for its vivid imagery, poetic prose, and philosophical reflections on life, death, and the divine[1][3][5].

The Hidden Life of Trees

Peter Wohlleben

Benjamin Flouw

Peter Wohlleben's "The Hidden Life of Trees" explores the complex social lives of trees, revealing their communication methods, symbiotic relationships, and intricate ecosystems. Wohlleben challenges traditional forestry practices and advocates for a more holistic approach to forest management. The book uses scientific research to illustrate the surprising intelligence and interconnectedness of trees, highlighting their ability to cooperate and support each other. It emphasizes the importance of preserving old-growth forests and understanding the vital role trees play in maintaining a healthy planet. The book's accessible style and captivating storytelling have made it a bestseller worldwide.

Crossing to Safety

Wallace Stegner