In this lecture Dennis uses the two polar principles of form and function to illustrate ways to imagine the Earth as a living being in contrast to seeing Earth as simply a resource.

The elements (earth, water, air, fire) and their dynamics give birth to the four life forces (cold, wet, hot, dry). Reciprocations between the polarities in these forces gives rise to the dynamics we see in the natural world.

Living beings have much more complex structural dynamics than non-living entities. It is the complexity of these dynamics that allows living beings to develop consciousness. Good stewardship for the future requires that humans learn to work with the dynamic consciousness of the living Earth.

These ideas will be used to illustrate current issues in climate change.

Note: Follow along with the slides in the handout. Dennis refers to the slides in this presentation.