David's guest today is Dr Monica Gagliano who is Research Associate Professor in Evolutionary Ecology at the Biological Intelligence (BI) Lab, Southern Cross University in Perth, Australia. Her main research is broadly focusing on key aspects of the ecological processes by which organisms are able to gather information on the variable conditions of their surrounding environment in order to thrive. In collaboration with various disciplines across the Sciences and the Humanities, her research aims at expanding our perception of animals, plants and more generally Nature. In the process of learning how to do this, she has pioneered the brand-new research field of plant bioacoustics and extended the concept of cognition to plants, re-igniting the discourse on plant subjectivity, sentience and ethical standing.

“Not all who wander are lost” - Goethe

“The soul has an absolute and unforgiving need for regular excursions into enchantment” - Thomas Moore

Imaginal Inspirations is hosted by David Lorimer, Programme Director of the Scientific and Medical Network and Chair of the Galileo Commission, an academic movement dedicated to expanding the evidence base of a science of consciousness. Imaginal cells are responsible for the metamorphosis of the caterpillar into a butterfly, which is the Greek symbol for the soul. These cells are dormant in the caterpillar but at a critical point of development they create the new form and structure which becomes the butterfly.

scientificandmedical.net

galileocommission.org

beyondthebrain.org

Works and links mentioned:

https://uk.bookshop.org/books/thus-spoke-the-plant-a-remarkable-journey-of-groundbreaking-scientific-discoveries-and-personal-encounters-with-plants/9781623172435

The Mind of Plants https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9780907791874

https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-green-thread/patricia-vieira/monica-gagliano/9781498510615

Thomas Berry - The Dream of the Earth https://uk.bookshop.org/books/the-dream-of-the-earth/9781619025325

Tao Te Ching https://uk.bookshop.org/books/the-divine-feminine-tao-te-ching-a-new-translation-and-commentary/9781644112465

Production: Martin Redfern

Artwork: Amber Haas

Music: Life is a River, by Magnus Moone