The Fungi Paradigm

Recent technological advancements have drastically altered (and accelerated) contemporary scientific insights into fungi. More and more fungi enthusiasts and scientists are seeking to re-tell our western scientific story of the origins of life in a way that does justice to the crucial role fungi play In the life of our planet. The “kingdoms” – plant, animal, insect and viral – into which this life is traditionally classical divided, are revealed to be deeply indebted to the fungi “queendom”, and interconnected in critical ways by the underground world of fungi.

During this evening, we will uncover the dizzying multitude of relationships, opportunities and implications that fungi represent for life on our planet, and for our limited/growing body of knowledge on the intricate workings of the planet and the life it harbours. Why do fungi help trees and plants communicate to each other? Or share resources? Are fungi-based technologies the future for climate change reversal and remediation of environmental pollution? What can the networked eco-social life of fungi tell us about the successes of life on earth, about learning, problem-solving, inter-dependency, creativity, wisdom, intelligence and consciousness by non-human life. And about the way this meshes with human life? Is the network the strongest/fittest/wisest organizational formation? Do psylocibin mushrooms unlock the human animal’s limited consciousness and perspectives on life, connectivity and relation? Is consciousness amongst mammals a consequence of the prevalence of psylocibin in the natural world?
 

PROGRAM

20h00 – Introduction by Olave Nduwanje
20h10 – Video-interview with Merlin Sheldrake, author of ‘Entangled Life’
20h30 – Lecture by Eveline Peeters, microbiologist at the VUB
20h50 – Interview between Olave Nduwanje and Camille Barton, artist and embodiment researcher
21h10 – Discussion and Q&A with the public
21h45 – End