To The Best Of Our Knowledge

TTBOOK Presents: Kinship

In various cultures around the world, human identity cannot be separated from our nonhuman kin. The landscapes we call home — grasslands and forests, mountains and rocks, rivers and oceans — are shared by nonhuman beings who may be considered relatives. Age-old myths and modern science reinforce these kinship relationships. From forest ecology to the human microbiome, emerging research suggests that being human is a complicated journey made possible only by the good graces of our many companions. In partnership with the Center for Humans and Nature and with support from the Kalliopeia Foundation, To The Best Of Our Knowledge is exploring this theme of “kinship” in a special radio series. Leading scientists, philosophers and writers illuminate ways in which “personhood” transcends the human species and shows how kinship practices can deepen our care and respect for the more-than-human world.

eyes

Eye-To-Eye Animal Encounters

Exchanging glances with the natural world happens more often than you’d think. It can be so profound, there’s a name for it: eye-to-eye epiphany.More

Plant as person

Plants As Persons

If plants are intelligent beings, how should we relate to them? Do they have a place in our moral universe? Should they have rights?More

 The Brooks Range divides the continent north and south.

When Mountains Are Gods

Science tells us mountains are giant piles of rock, formed millions of years ago. But that’s not all they are — there was a time when mountains were gods.More

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Elk woman

Shapeshifting

There are old folktales of people who can become animals. Animals who become people. And there’s a lesson for our own time in those shapeshifting stories.More