Gaia’s Graveyards – Bearing witness as first person inquiry

Humanity is overwhelmingly in denial about the ‘biological annihilation’ facing the other species on the planet, heirs to a 13.8 billion year shared history. This paper argues that these questions can be addressed through action research, an ethical research practice, focused on issues of pressing concern to humans and the ecological communities of which they are part. At the heart of the paper is a story, which takes the reader on the author’s 20-year journey to cross a threshold into empathy with the more-than-human world. The story is presented as a worked example of a first person practice demonstrating how, in the face of denial within us all, it is possible to stop, bear witness and to seek positive outcomes. Located within action research and its qualities, the characteristics of bearing witness are explored, resulting in a potential definition, description and critical appreciation. Finally the paper argues that first person inquiry into bearing witness needs to become a bedrock for practice across society and offers recommendations for how this might be achieved. – Abstract provided on behalf of the author, 


We invite you to learn more about this experience by reading our article HERE. Free 30-day access is available for this article beginning 14 February.

After you’ve had a chance to read this piece, please share your thoughts, ideas, or experiences with our community in the comments below so we can continue this discussion!