“Why We Cannot Explain the Form of Organisms”
By Stephen L. Talbott
Steve explores the enigma of organic form and reflects on the difficulties involved with any attempts to explain it through genetic, developmental, or evolutionary accounts. He puts forward the idea that form must be taken up and understood on its own terms. This article is a lightly edited version of Chapter 11 from Steve’s recently published magnum opus — Organisms and Their Evolution: Agency and Meaning in the Drama of Life.
“Is the Earth Alive?”
By Craig Holdrege
We take for granted that microbes, plants, animals, and human beings are alive. But does “life” only exist within organisms? Might life be a fundamental feature of our planet? In what sense might we say that the earth is alive? This article is an edited and extended version of a talk Craig originally gave in celebration of Earth Day. A recording of that talk is available as an episode on our podcast under the title “Earth Alive.”
“Two New Books”
The institute published two books in the Fall of 2025. First, Steven Talbott’s Organisms and Their Evolution: Agency and Meaning in the Drama of Life. Second, a translation of Andreas Suchantke’s Insect Forms and Patterns: Exploring the Nature of Language. Both books are available for purchase on our website’s bookstore.
