Dr Andy Letcher - Ontological anarchy and the ecological self

Ontological anarchy is presented as a framework for challenging the mechanistic, anthropocentric worldviews that dominate modern culture. By deconstructing the notion of the atomic self as a bounded, singular subject, the lecture explores the concept of the ecological self, which is permeable and interconnected with a wider Web of agencies. Psychedelics are described as potential catalysts that dissolve barriers to this perception, facilitating a state where the self can be integrated with external biological and spiritual realities. The presentation draws on diverse sources, from William James and Karen Barad on quantum physics to the South African sangoma Colin Campbell, to argue that western epistemology has long isolated the self. By embracing an ecological view, we move from being observers to active participants within systems, emphasizing the importance of daily actions and the responsibility of the individual in response to the climate catastrophe. This ecological perspective shifts the focus from purely internal experiences to the societal and environmental commitments that define an individual's engagement with the world.