Catastrophe and anthropocene

This lecture explores the theme of catastrophe, starting with the Lisbon earthquake of 1755, which led to a shift from providentialist to scientific paradigms. It delves into catastrophism in geology, cosmology, and modern environmental discourse, including the concept of the Anthropocene. The discussion covers historical perspectives, such as the impact of human activities on the environment, the collapse of industrial civilization, and the responsibility of individuals and scientists in guiding society towards sustainable environmental management. The lecture also touches on the spiritual and ethical dimensions of collapse, drawing connections between ecology and spirituality.