(b. 1949) is a Belgian philosopher trained as a chemist, specializing in the philosophy and history of science.
She is best known for her collaborative work with Russian-Belgian chemist Ilya Prigogine, particularly the seminal book Order Out of Chaos, in which explores the relationship between science, complexity, and the emergence of order in dynamic systems.
Isabelle Stengers’ article “Gaia, the Urgency to Think (and Feel)” from the publication Os Mil Nomes de Gaia: do Antropoceno à Idade da Terra invites readers to reconsider humanity’s relationship with the Earth in the face of ecological and societal crises. Building on James Lovelock’s Gaia hypothesis, Stengers challenges the notion of a stable, life-optimal Earth and explores how this shift unsettles human-centric views of emancipation. Drawing inspiration from Bruno Latour, Donna Haraway, and speculative fiction, Stengers calls for a reclamation of collective responsibility, care, and imagination to address the Anthropocene’s challenges. Her work underscores the need for an urgent reevaluation of how we think, feel, and act within an interconnected world.
The Gaia hypothesis, introduced by James Lovelock and Lynn Margulis in the 1970s, proposes that Earth’s biological and physical components interact to maintain conditions conducive to life. Initially, Lovelock characterized these processes as stable and optimal for life. However, as scientific understanding evolved, it became evident that these interactions are complex and not always inherently stable.
In his 2004 essay “Why Has Critique Run out of Steam?”, Bruno Latour reflects on how critical thinking has been co-opted by those sowing doubt about scientific facts, such as climate change deniers. He advocates for developing descriptive tools that focus on “matters of concern,” aiming to protect and care for the subjects under scrutiny, rather than merely deconstructing them.
Contemporary activism involves not only challenging authorities but also reclaiming communal practices. This approach emphasizes collective responsibility and the creation of shared resources, aligning with the concept that “no commons without commoning.”
Donna Haraway’s concept of “SF” encompasses science fiction, speculative fabulation, and string figures, among other interpretations. She suggests that science fiction narratives serve as thought experiments, enabling the exploration of alternative ways of living and understanding the world. These narratives challenge the status quo and inspire imaginative approaches to complex socio-ecological issues.
In summary, the convergence of these ideas highlights the intricate relationships between scientific theories, critical thought, activism, and speculative narratives. Together, they offer pathways to reimagine and address the pressing challenges of our time, advocating for a more engaged and responsible interaction with our planet and its diverse inhabitants.