Microbes are at the origin of all life. Without bacteria, viruses and other uni- or acellular organisms, life as we know it would cease to exist. The recent spark in microbial interests is underscored by their potential for innovations in medicine and technology. Despite this increasingly concerted gaze towards microbes, they have received relatively little attention from philosophers and ethicists.
Throughout this summer school, we will delve into the intricate worlds and biomes of the invisible from a transdisciplinary perspective. We will look at microbes from a philosophy of science and ethics perspective and explore how these two disciplines, often separated by disciplinary bounds, can come together when studying the microbiome. At the same time, we will look beyond the limits of academic philosophy and explore the possibilities of engaging with (bio)arts and literature to inform and enrich microbial reflections. We investigate whether and how critical posthumanism can inspire philosophers of science and bioethicists. Additionally, we will explore how literary texts critically engage with symbiosis, post-genomics, or feedback loops between different scales of the biosphere
We will address questions such as:
- Can insights from philosophy of science facilitate the integration of microbiome data in existing post-genomic biomedicine? Can microbiome research signify a break with reductionism and somatic determinism in biomedicine? How does the entanglement of body, microbiome and environment inform insights on situatedness and perspectival body?
- Do the ethical frameworks developed in the context of genomics translate to microbiome research? Can engagements between philosophers, ethicists and microbiologists foster ethical reflection and dialogue?
- How does microbiome research intersect with questions on social and environmental (in)justice? Does the locality of the microbiome risks essentializing and naturalizing place and culture as biological categories in research?
- How do literature and artworks redistribute agency toward nonhuman life?
- How does a transdisciplinary perspective on the microbiome shift our perspectives on conceptions of life, self, environment, immunity, and community?
Seminars, lectures, and workshops will be given by Eiko Honda, Abigail Nieves Delgado, Massimiliano Simons, Joana Formosinho, Andrew Inkpen, Maureen O’Malley, Liliane Campos, Jean Manca and the organizers of the summer school (Lisanne Meinen, Daan Kenis, Ina Devos, Nele Buyst, Kristien Hens and Bart Vandeput).
Reactions from participants
The Microstories Summer School was excellent in many ways. I have never had an experience where I learned so much while having so much fun. The discussions about artistic, literary, and scientific approaches to our interactions with microbes provided me with many new insights that I can use for my PhD research.
Elian, from the Netherlands
It was an incredibly educational experience, offering a great variety of topics and plenty of student interaction. The field trip was also a highlight. The enthusiasm of the teachers, organizing team, and students was contagious, making everyone feel approachable. It was a week that broadened my horizons and will undoubtedly influence the rest of my academic career!
Katoo, from Belgium
This summer school was original and unique. Teachers were welcoming and the organization allowed to take many breaks to have informal discussion with other students. Many different theoretical and practical activities were organized, so that the school was enriching and never boring.
Carlotta, from Italy