Gaia and Philosophy

by Lynn Margulis, Dorion Sagan, Anicka Yi (Illustrator)

In the 1970s, microbiologist Lynn Margulis and atmospheric chemist James Lovelock developed the Gaia theory. Embracing the circular logic of life and engineering systems, the Gaia theory states that Earth is a self-regulating complex system in which life interacts with and eventually becomes its own environment

Gaia describes a living a body in the form of a planet. For billions of years, life has created an environment conducive to its continuation, influencing the physical attributes of Earth on a planetary scale. An idea with precedents in natural science and philosophy for millennia, Gaia resonates with the ancient magico-religious understanding that all is as above, so below.

Fusing science, mathematics, philosophy, ecology and mythology, Gaia and Philosophy, with a new introduction by Dorion Sagan, challenges Western anthropocentrism to propose a symbiotic planet. In its striking philosophical conclusion, the revolutionary Gaia paradigm holds important implications not only for understanding life's past but for shaping its future.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Essays, Nature, Science

88 pages, Paperback

Published June 30, 2023

About the author

Lynn Margulis (1938-2011) was a Professor of Geosciences at the University of Massachusetts, a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences.

Reviews

[Jacobcerisgandy]

2/20

Enjoyable set of short essays, Gaia theory is reassuring to consider.

[R1CEC4KE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what is offered and more. The main essay primarily identifies Lovelock and Margulis' Gaia Hypothesis, taking care to provide additional evidence (both empirical and theoretical) in its consolidation. In terms of philosophy, it invokes (perhaps unwittingly in some cases) both the ecosophical and post-humanist discourses while employing a charmingly poetic diction that does not fail to maintain its scientific objectivity. There were moments in the essay that were clearly petty retorts to contemporary sceptics, but I am of the firm belief that environmental philosophers and scientists alike are allowed to be a little petty. It gets a pass from me.

Dorion Sagan's introduction serves to reframe the essay and its conclusions for the present-day. I feel it does so quite successfully, providing a number of new developments and with a more flower-y (pun intended) poetics to boot. If that were not nearly enough, there is a parallel plot line that runs adjacent to the introduction's main argument, which is a dramatic (and almost nostalgic?!) recap of Lynn Margulis and Carl Sagan's (Dorion's parents') relationship-gone-awry, which both lightens the mood from impending environmental doom and situates the genesis of Gaian thought in relation to both of the successive essay's authors.

Were this out of 10 it would be a 9. I chose to round down here.

[Molsa Roja(s) · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a while I had this book in my library and I feared to read it, cause I was certain it would change me. It hasn't, but the only reason is because I've already read three books from Lynn and no new ideas are introduced here. It is, to say, an inspiring essay that is mainly dedicated to abolish anthropocentrism whilst explaining the Gaian theory, that we owe to both her and James Lovelock. I enjoyed very much Dorion Sagan's introduction, and I have finally understood the Daisyworld model. It took me reading it in her three different books and re reading it here twice, but it did click. The notion of planet Earth as a self sustainable, simpoietic biological system is just mesmerizing, as well as the emergence of cybernetics that can account for a global intelligence. Generally speaking, I must admit I'm sticking with Margulis on any biological, theoretical approach. By the way, while I was reading about the fact that Mars and Earth's atmosphere would be very much similar if we didn't account for life, I was wondering: what if bacterial, anaerobic photosynthetisers were shot to Mars in massive amounts? Wouldn't they be able, perhaps, to absorb Mars CO2 and turn it into a breathable atmosphere, further giving place to aerobic bacterias and so on? I'd like to explore this idea.

[Gregory Klug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear overview of Gaia theory and the science supporting it: microbe-led regulation of the planet's surface temperature and atmospheric gases has maintained conditions optimal for life (*complex* life in fact, though they don't say it) over the aeons. Sagan's introduction has some syntactical errors that were off-putting, but the main essay is worth the read (though ten bucks is steep for a pamphlet. Amazon lied: it claimed it was 88 pages but it was 50-something). Margulis and Sagan prefer an anti-anthropocentric interpretation of Gaia theory (human's aren't really unique, etc.), but fail to note that this is not the only interpretation possible. They don't want to make any room in the boat for theists or Platonists. That's fine. The science is still the science, and philosophers can work out its implications as reason - that precious gift! - would seem to dictate.

[Costin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short book presents an interesting and compelling hypothesis titled “Gaia”. The book is less about philosophy and more about the technical details of how living organisms influence and regulate Earth’s atmosphere and temperature. The authors present an interesting mathematical model called Daisy World – this is only summarised here, with the details having been published in technical journals and a pop-science magazine, all referenced in this book.

There are some ideas here about the implications of accepting this view of the world, in terms of scientific approaches to searching for extraterrestrial life, colonising and terraforming other planets, and how it might change our view of humanity.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know anything about Gaia but by the end I felt like the philosophy had always been within me. It makes sense. That the microorganisms and mechanics of the earth, including the atmosphere are all connected in an eternal cycle.

“earth is a goddess and teaches justice to those who can learn, for the better she is served, the more good things she gives in return” Xenophon

As an architecture student I think we can respond to the the Gaia theory quite accurately when we create sustainable homes which in a way are microcosms of Gaia.

[Maria-Nefeli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately the impressive potential is the reason of the low rating because the very few 50 pages of this small book are merely an extension and repetition of the essential and really important - almost, very close to become revolutionary - central point described just in 20 actual pages. Just having potential with more profound development and research feels frustrating. Looking forward to find and read possible more complex alternatives to this perspective.

[Eli Haider-Bierer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice short read. I enjoyed the idea of Gaian theory - however, not sure I buy into the science of it. The “daisy world” explanation was relied on quite heavily. I did really buy into the philosophical side of Gaia though. Super interesting! Also last line was awesome:

“We should rejoice in the new truths of our essential belonging, our relative unimportance and our complete dependence upon a biosphere that has always had a life entirely its own”

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a point during reading this that I was struck by a sense of peace (I guess) at the notion that the Earth will go on after humans. Not in an ecofascist way; just that it’s nice to think that there will still be flowers and water and animals and things.

[Shubham Shetty · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea of esogenesis - as opposed to exogenesis - that life arose on earth by the planet itself as a means to self-regulate, was interesting. The essay felt more science-fiction than science though.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Quite the opposite: we should rejoice in the new truths of our essential belonging, our relative unimportance and our complete dependence upon a biosphere that has always had a life entirely its own."

[Amy MC · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immediate cure for nihilism in less than 50 pages.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

damn i guess flying domestically ISNT cringe!?!? O_o

[Roo the kangaroo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting perspective. The part about mars never having life or is deceased now was educational.

[Ashton Hiatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dense but thoughtful. Not for the lay man

[Gracious Wyatt Draher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not scientifically nor philosophically convinced but I did find it interesting and at times amusing. I also quite enjoyed the writing style of the introduction

[Theodora Kalessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant essay to remind us - humans - of our relevant unimportance and our complete dependence on this planet, we call home. Truly humbling!

[Tom Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought-provoking and well written.

[Dominic Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing short introduction to Gaia theory and its implications!

[Caroline Shin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a humbling little book, in that it’s unfortunately clearly been a while since I’ve really encountered scientific and philosophical terms in their academic state, but also in the pleasant sense that I’m reminded of just how small I and humanity in general really are cosmically speaking. I agree with the idea that the Earth will carry on whatever we do to it (which is not the same as saying we will survive it), and that’s one Big Thing that I’m happy to take off my shoulders.

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The contrast with traditional Western geological and geochemical ideas could not be more stark: Earth is no more a rock with some life on it than you are a skeleton infested with cells.”

I loved how it acknowledged the arguments against the Gaia hypothesis as well as explaining the spiritual/mathematic/modelling ideas it’s built upon. this is science people !

[daft sod · Rating 3 out of 5]

really interesting! (and it has pretty art)