Ann Blair

In this engaging discussion, Ann Blair, a Harvard history professor and expert on Jean Bodin, dives into Bodin's fascinating work, "Theater of Nature." She explores how Bodin used this metaphor to illustrate divine creation and critiques Aristotle's influence. The conversation highlights Bodin's unique methodology, blending empirical observation with philosophical inquiry. Additionally, they discuss the challenges 16th-century scholars faced, the shift away from Aristotelian dominance, and the intricate relationship between natural philosophy and the divine, paving the way for modern thought.

Guests Lorraine Daston, Ann Blair, Rebecca Bushnell, Staffan Müller-Wille, James Rosindell, and Amy Tigner discuss Francis Bacon's dream of a universal research garden, the religious motivations behind the quest for knowledge, the significance of naming plants, the development of botanical gardens and Linnaeus's taxonomy system, the importance of cataloging life forms and conservation efforts, and the spiritual worth of all creation and the need for species conservation.