In a thought-provoking discussion, Mark C. Taylor, Professor of Religion at Columbia University, delves into the crucial relationship between humanity and nature. He examines anthropocentrism’s philosophical roots and argues for a shift towards recognizing interconnectedness. The conversation highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and existential threats, advocating for the liberal arts as a means to navigate these complexities. Taylor emphasizes the role of literature and art in enhancing our understanding of mortality and our place in the environment.
01:05:01
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
The Anthropocene's End
The Anthropocene, the age of human dominance over the environment, is ending.
Human activities have irrevocably altered the Earth's landscape and climate, endangering our survival.
insights INSIGHT
Humanity's Relationship with Nature
Many civilizations viewed nature as something to dominate and exploit for resources.
Cultures that sought harmony with nature have been marginalized.
insights INSIGHT
Origins of Anthropocentrism
Anthropocentrism, the belief in human centrality, traces back to Descartes' philosophy.
Descartes' emphasis on human reason as unique led to a dualistic view separating humans from nature.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
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].
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.
Field Notes from Elsewhere, Reflections on Dying and Living
Field Notes from Elsewhere, Reflections on Dying and Living
null
Mark Taylor
After the Human, A Philosophy for the Future
After the Human, A Philosophy for the Future
null
Mark Taylor
In this episode of the WHY Podcast, Jack sits down with Mark C. Taylor, Professor of Religion at Columbia University, to discuss how the humanities and the natural world intersect. They talk about how literature, philosophy, and art can provide new insights into our connection with nature and offer paths toward a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with the environment.
WHY? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life 
