Stephan Harding

Biographical Information
"Head of Holistic Science & Resident Ecologist at Schumacher College. Trained as a field ecologist, Stephan has strong interests in scientific ecology, Gaia theory and ecophilosophy. He is especially interested in finding ways of combining scientific information about ecosystems and our planet's evolution with experiential learning to develop a deep sense of participation in the life of Gaia. A current interest is thus the integration of phenomenological approaches to nature (such as Goethian science) with classical scientific understanding."

"Since childhood Stephan has had a deep fascination with the natural world, and his scientific cast of mind lead him to do a degree in Zoology at the University of Durham and then a doctorate on the behavioural ecology of the muntjac deer at Oxford University. After Oxford Stephan was appointed Visiting Professor in Wildlife Management at the National University in Costa Rica, where he lived for two years before becoming a founder member of Schumacher College in 1990. Stephan lives on the College campus with his wife Julia Ponsonby and their son Oscar, and is the author of Animate Earth: Science, Intuition and Gaia published in 2006 by Green Books. He is also the editor of a new book – Grow Small, Think Beautiful – just published by Floris Books."

"The College’s first teacher was James Lovelock, with whom Stephan has maintained a long-lasting friendship and scientific collaboration that culminated in their joint appointment as chair holders of the Arne Naess Chair in Global Justice and the Environment at the University of Oslo."

"Stephan was born in Venezuela in 1953. He came to England at the age of six with his father and housekeeper, with whom he spoke Spanish (his mother tongue) at home. Since childhood Stephan has had a deep fascination with the natural world, and his scientific cast of mind lead him to do a degree in Zoology at the University of Durham and then a doctorate on the behavioural ecology of the muntjac deer at Oxford University."

Affiliations

 * Founding Member, Alliance for Wild Ethics
 * Director, Gaia Charity
 * Advisory Board, Gaia Partnership

Related Sourcewatch

 * Animate Earth draws upon the work of David Abram and Jungian James Hillman amongst others
 * Animate Earth - film