Fritjof Capra: Patterns of Connection

Join us for a virtual conversation with Fritjof Capra to discuss the evolution of his thought. In the late 1950s Capra read the work of Werner Heisenberg, a founder of quantum mechanics, and quickly intuited connections between the discoveries of quantum physics and the traditions of Eastern philosophy. The result was his bestselling book, The Tao of Physics. His synthesis, which dispensed with the mechanistic worldview of Descartes and Newton in favor of a systemic, ecological one, has provided him with a different perspective on the life sciences, ecology and environmental policy.

Six decades later, Fritjof Capra remains at the crossroads of physics, spirituality, environmentalism and systems theory. Organized thematically and chronologically, the essays in Patterns of Connection document his revolutionary and far-reaching intellectual journey.

Founded in 1903, The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum.

The 1997 Dutch documentary, "The Call of the Mountain: Arne Næss and the Deep Ecology Movement," directed by Jan van Boeckel, explores the philosophy of Norwegian thinker Arne Næss. This production delves into themes of ecology, environment, global awareness, and spirituality.

Næss, a pivotal figure in the late 20th-century environmental movement, coined the term "deep ecology." His vision was significantly influenced by Rachel Carson's 1962 book, *Silent Spring*. For further details, refer to the Foundation for Deep Ecology.

This video explores Aldo Leopold's Land Ethic, an environmental philosophy. It delves into its foundational principles and distinguishes it from Deep Ecology.

Leopold, author of the seminal work A Sand County Almanac and the first wildlife management textbook, developed these concepts. Production credit goes to the GCSC Commodore team.

This five-minute video explores the distinction between deep and shallow ecology within Environmental Ethics. It outlines the fundamental principles of deep ecology, emphasizing the necessity of a radical shift in our environmental perspective. The video clearly enumerates deep ecology's eight core principles.

Special thanks to Commodore Productions at Gulf Coast State College for their invaluable assistance in producing this video.

The Svetlana Chernikova Memorial Lecture honors Dr. Svetlana Chernikova, a distinguished environmental leader from St. Petersburg, Russia. The recording features an introduction by Dr. Robin Marsh, highlighting Svetlana's life and career. Angelina Davydova, the first Svetlana Chernikova Fellow, then speaks about growing community-based environmental and political activism in Russia.

Dr. Fritjof Capra, Founder of the Center for Ecoliteracy, delivers the keynote on Systems Thinking and Sustainability. He explores the evolution of systems thinking, including Russian scientists' contributions, linking it to economic and social sustainability. Dr. Capra concludes by examining key components for global sustainability, such as collaborative leadership and inter-sectoral social networking—areas where Dr. Chernikova excelled. He challenges us to uphold Svetlana's legacy. (Published Sep 10, 2012)