Oika for Earthlings

Ecology  is the scientific study of relationships in nature. Big History is the story of humans in the universe.

   Q:   What happens when we look at Big History through the lens of ecology? 

   A:    We find ourselves entangled in a cosmic ecology full of new insights and wisdom for living and flourishing on Earth.

Oika refers to the relational intelligence of nature that can be perceived and expressed through human thought and action. Oika for Earthlings is an exploratory workshop being offered by Maria  Mitchell’s visiting scientist Dr. Rich Blundell. In this weekly, 2-hour class we will take a deep dive into the principles and practices of Oika. The course builds on the ecological concepts and insights of Big History. 

We’ll gather in-person and/or Zoom at the Maria Mitchell Research Center to view and discuss short films on Oika topics and explore the science and theories behind the wisdoms in ecological dynamics. We’ll also make use of the special collections housed at the Maria Mitchell Association.

Week  one; an exploration of the physics of the universe as well as the concept of  story as a natural phenomenon, week two; an exploration celestial scale ecologies and the concept of emergence, week  three will encompass a virtual catch-up and discussion, week four; an exploration of the autopoetic tendencies of the Earth and the concept of fractals and lastly week five will allow is to explore the dynamics of human systems and tie the entire course together through the intricacies of the Earthling Theory.