RECIPROCITY: THE END OF OTHERING

Dr. Monica Gagliano

Abstract:
In modern parlance, the word reciprocity conjures gestures of mutual giving, caring, and sharing. Reciprocity is intuitively understood as a mutually beneficial exchange, where one individual selectively helps another individual that will provide benefits in return. Within the boundaries of a human-centred view, the “individual” in question is implicitly assumed to be human. Naturally, the use of the word reciprocity has long been limited to humans sharing with other humans. And yet, reciprocity is not an exclusively ‘human thing’. Reciprocity is widespread and inclusive, being of great importance to many non-human others, from tiny bacteria and hidden fungi to an extraordinary diversity of plants and animals, as well as mountain tops and the living waters of the big rivers. What if our exclusive use of the word has effectively excluded us from the world? Could non-human others teach us reciprocity and embrace us back to the world?

Bio:
Monica Gagliano, PhD is a Research Associate Professor of evolutionary ecology affiliated with the Sydney Environment Institute at the University of Sydney and currently based at Southern Cross University where she directs the Biological Intelligence (BI) Lab as part of the Diverse Intelligences Initiative of the Templeton World Charity Foundation. Monica has pioneered the brand-new research field of plant bioacoustics, which for the first time, experimentally demonstrates that plants emit voices and detect and respond to the sounds of their environments. Her work has extended the concept of cognition in plants. By demonstrating experimentally that learning and memory are not the exclusive province of animals, Monica has reignited the discourse of plant subjectivity, as well as ethical and legal standing. Inspired by encounters with nature and indigenous elders from around the world, Monica applies an innovative and holistic approach to science.one that is progressive because it is comfortable engaging at the interface between areas as diverse as ecology, physics, law, anthropology, philosophy, literature, music, the arts, and spirituality. By re-kindling a sense of wonder for the beautiful place we call home, she is helping to create a new ecology of mind that inspires the emergence of revolutionary solutions toward human interactions with the world we co-inhabit. Monica’s studies have led her to author numerous ground-breaking scientific articles and books, including Thus Spoke the Plant (2018) and recent edited collection, The Mind of Plants (2021). Her upcoming project is called Resonant Earth, a new research initiative for acoustically-assisted planetary regeneration through the direct engagement with, and listening to, all sources of wisdom derived from humans, plants, and the land. More information:

URL : www.monicagagliano.com