Fire Pit Debate: Nostalgotopia

The Fire Pit Debate is back! Come and join us the 29th of April at BioArt Village to have a “heated” discussion about our relation with nature. This time we have two brilliant academics who will challenge you to reflect on the theme of ‘Nostalgotopia’: the longing for nature that is not (here) anymore.

How do we cope with collective feelings of vulnerability, hopelessness, and dread regarding environmental destruction? Do nostalgic feelings towards an idealised, perhaps romantic version of nature make sense? 

In the Netherlands, not much ‘nature’ is left untouched by humans. But also more in general, we could ask ourselves whether the concept of nature isn’t a human construct. Moreover, many animal species are thriving in cities, or find ways to adapt to their new environments. They don’t appear to need pristine, untouched nature. In urban environments we can observe nature’s resiliency as it responds to the brutal domination of Homo sapiens sapiens. 

On Friday 29 April, we will explore biodiversity in the city and the relationship between humans and nature with an interesting case study on beavers in the area of Eindhoven by Inge Dekker (PhD Radboud University), who is currently doing research on animal movement and human-made boundaries. 

At BioArt Laboratories we organise a philosophical debate inspired by the House of Commons debate style, where get warm around a fireplace and discuss questions regarding environmental mourning, biodiversity in the city, and human-animal relationships. The theme of the debate will be introduced by philosopher of science and art dr. Laurens Landeweerd from Radboud University Nijmegen. He also serves as a moderator for the debate. Together with colleague Inge Dekker, he will propose several statements concerning Nostalgotopia. The audience is invited to take sides, and provide for arguments. 

We invite you to come share the fire and your thoughts. No payment or prior knowledge needed, only a reservation. Register here. See you soon!