Listening to the voices of things
Arts and performance could be key to giving voice to a new politics that can deal with the problems that dwarf us like climate change
If the rivers, the mountains, the forests and the sea could speak, what would they say?
It is a question of artistic imagination, but one we urgently need answering. In a world paralysed by the enormity of climate change and an apocalyptic future we are, in the words of French philosopher of science, Professor Bruno Latour, in danger of “sleep walking to catastrophe.”
He has advocated a radical shift in politics to the “Parliament of Things” in which we speak up for the environment we have always taken for granted. But perhaps it is only through art that we can make the imaginative leap beyond ourselves?
At a time of increasing global uncertainty and rancour around environment policy, University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Glyn Davis hosts a wide-ranging discussion with Professor Latour, one of the world’s most respected yet controversial philosophers. Also taking part are Professor Clive Hamilton, from the Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics, and Professor Rachel Fensham, head of the School of Culture and Communication.
The Policy Shop is a monthly podcast where we discuss public policy and the way it affects Australia and the world. Hosted every month by Professor Davis, each podcast, featuring national and international guests, will examine a different public policy subject.
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