Living through multispecies societies: Approaching the microbiome with Imanishi Kinji. Issue 1 (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Droz, Laÿna; Jannel, Romaric; Rupprecht, Christoph D.D.
• Is Part Of: Endeavour. Volume 46:Issue 1/2(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Microbiome -- Multispecies societies -- Environmental ethics -- Imanishi Kinji -- Japanese philosophy; Science -- Periodicals; Science -- History -- Periodicals; 509.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.endeavour.2022.100814
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0160-9327

Abstract

Abstract: Recent research about the microbiome points to a picture in which we, humans, are 'living through' nature, and nature itself is living in us. Our bodies are hosting—and depend on—the multiple species that constitute human microbiota. This article will discuss current research on the microbiome through the ideas of Japanese ecologist Imanishi Kinji (1902–1992). First, some of Imanishi's key ideas regarding the world of living beings and multispecies societies are presented. Second, seven types of relationships concerning the human microbiome, human beings, and the environment are explored. Third, inspired by Imanishi's work, this paper develops the idea of dynamic, porous, and complex multispecies societies in which different living beings or species are codependent on others, including microbiota and human beings.