“...a personal ecological wisdom which involves finding a way of caring for the natural world which does not threaten our care for humans.”

As the ecological crisis deepens, there is an urgent need for inspiration, hope and appropriate action in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds. During this course, we will use insights from deep ecology, holistic science and Gaia theory to widen and expand our sense of belonging to the more-than-human world.

We will then look at how this ecological sensibility can be applied to the search for sustainable livelihoods for ourselves, and for society as a whole. Through exploring Gaia theory, we will encounter the life-like qualities of our planet, and will develop intuitions of our radical interconnectedness with the natural world.

Insights from holistic science will lead us to the understanding that we cannot predict or control nature, and that our rightful place is as participants in Gaia's creative emergence. Deep ecology work will help us to articulate these deep experiences of wide identification with nature in the form of a personal ecosophy, or ecological wisdom which involves finding a way of caring for the natural world which does not threaten our care for humans. Throughout the course, notions of sustainability will be explored and re-evaluated through the lens of a deep ecological relationship with the world.

Course Tutor: Dr Stephan Harding is on the academic staff at Schumacher College, a world-reknowned centre of excellence for holistic ecological education. He teaches with some of the leading thinkers and writers in the green movement, such as Fritjof Capra, Vandana Shiva, Arne Naess and James Lovelock, which whom he has collaborated over several years. Stephan is highly regarded internationally for his inspirational teaching of Gaia theory and deep ecology. He has a doctorate in field biology from Oxford University.

Location: This course will take place in Dartington, near Totnes, Devon.

Times: 9.30am - 4.30pm