Gaia and Philosophy

Author: Lynn Margulis & Dorion Sagan Illustrations by Anicka Yi

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. Fusing science, mathematics, philosophy, ecology and speculation, this title challenges Western anthropocentrism to propose a symbiotic planet. Featuring illustrations by Anicka Yi.In its striking philosophical conclusion, the revolutionary Gaia paradigm holds important implications not only for understanding life's past but for shaping its future.This title is a timely republication of the work of Lynn Margulis, an American evolutionary biologist widely regarded as one of the most creative scientific theorists of the modern era. She formulated the symbiotic theory of evolution, challenging the Darwinian theory that competition is the basis of evolution.