Dear ISHers, Here are some announcements that may interest you. *Talks and workshops:* (1) People, Plants, and The Law Online Lecture Series 2024: Rachel Wynberg and Sarah Laird ‘Rethinking Biodiversity-Based Economies for Justice and Conservation’ November 12 (2) Laura Menatti - Health and environment: understanding the positive role of surroundings. Philosophical and medical problems, November 12th (3) Workshop ‘Flora in Focus: Tracing the Roots of Plants in History, Philosophy & Society’, Ruhr University Bochum and Online, 28-29 November 2024 (4) November lectures at The Center for Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh *Visiting fellowships:* (5) Applications Open - Visiting Fellowships at The Center for Philosophy of Science - University of Pittsburgh Best wishes, Lucie *(1) People, Plants, and The Law Online Lecture Series 2024* Prof. *Rachel Wynberg* <https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-wynberg-93062650/> (University of Cape Town <https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-cape-town/>) and Dr. *Sarah Laird* <https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-laird-a0807319/> (University of Kent <https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-kent/> / People and Plants International): ‘*Rethinking Biodiversity-Based Economies for Justice and Conservation*’ 12 November 2024 5-6pm AEST Who owns the world’s plants? If plants are essential to human life this seems like an important question. Is it the people who live in the places where the plants grow? Or the people who own the land which they grow on? Or the local or national governments responsible for that land? Or should it be all humans collectively? If this last possibility seems like a way forward, what happens when only some people start making money out of plants? The answers to these questions are not clear. A kind of uneasy fix has appeared; the access and benefit sharing system. This system suggests that countries, with some reference to local landowners and communities, own plants. But nobody seems happy with this arrangement, and it is widely perceived to be failing. Join us for the second lecture in the 2024 People Plants and the Law Online Lecture Series and a presentation from two of the most authoritative scholars in the area, as they unpack some underlying issues around plant ownership and use - drawing from two lifetimes' of international scholarship - and explore possible futures for equitable plant use by academics, corporations, and communities. This will also be a fantastic opportunity to hear about some of their work on the major Rethinking Biodiversity Project which they co-direct: https://www.rethinking-biodiversity.org/ *Abstract, bios, registration, and recording:* https://www.plantsuccess.org/event/rethinking-biodiversity-based-economies-for-justice-and-conservation/ *(2) FFF - Laura Menatti - Health and environment: understanding the positive role of surroundings. Philosophical and medical problems* The Center for Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh invites you to join us for our upcoming* online only* lecture. This lecture will be live streamed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRp47ZMXD7NXO3a9Gyh2sg or you can join with Zoom at https://pitt.zoom.us/j/93304149398 Featured Former Fellow* – Laura Menatti* *Tuesday, November 12th @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EDT* Title: Health and environment: understanding the positive role of surroundings. Philosophical and medical problems. *Abstract:* Contemporary medical research has mainly focused on the adverse effects of environmental risks on human health, as exemplified by studies on endocrine disruptors and climate change-related health impacts. These investigations have initiated philosophical discourse on the complex relationship between human beings and their environment, as evidenced by concepts like the ‘exposome’. However, the beneficial effects of environmental factors on health have received comparatively little attention in philosophical circles, despite being extensively explored in fields such as psychology, architecture, and medical history. This disparity in philosophical engagement is mainly due to the epistemological foundations of contemporary health sciences. The positive health outcomes associated with environmental factors often transcend the methodological approaches of evidence-based medicine (EBM), which typically prioritize clearly defined, measurable, and reproducible outcomes. Environmental health benefits, by their nature, often involve complex, multifaceted interactions that call for a more inclusive epistemological framework. A pluralistic perspective on health emphasizes the social and environmental determinants of well-being. This approach aligns with the concept of salutogenesis, which focuses on factors that support human health and wellbeing rather than on pathogenesis. Salutogenesis and its current reframe recognize health as a positive state influenced by a wide range of factors, including social connections, cultural practices, and environmental conditions. This situation highlights the necessity for a rigorous approach that thoroughly investigates both empirical evidence and theoretical foundations to better understand these beneficial outcomes. Such an approach should consider the salutogenic perspective, examining how individuals and communities utilize resources to maintain and improve health in the face of environmental challenges. To explore these dimensions effectively, I propose an investigation that integrates diverse epistemological frameworks. This should include traditional clinical research methods alongside insights from public health, preventive medicine, and salutogenic theory. By employing rigorous methodologies, we can deepen our understanding of the positive environmental determinants of health and their implications for medical practice and policy. By expanding the philosophical discourse on environmental benefits for health, I aim to foster a more comprehensive understanding of health and wellbeing, acknowledging the intricate interplay between individuals and their environments. This exploration has the potential to enhance our approaches to health promotion and disease prevention, emphasizing the creation of health-supportive environments and the strengthening of individuals’ capacity to move towards health on the health-disease continuum. *(3) CfR: Workshop ‘Flora in Focus: Tracing the Roots of Plants in History, Philosophy & Society’, Ruhr University Bochum and Online, 28-29 November 2024* The history and philosophy of biology have long been characterized by a bias towards the animal kingdom. Animal-centric philosophy of biology often overlook inconsistencies of concepts like behavior or individuality when applied on plants. Furthermore, studies in the history of biology often display a preference for animals, occasionally reducing the history of plant biology to mere botany, thus neglecting important contributions in plant physiology, morphology, and behavioral research. Recently, however, science and society have begun to seriously consider plants and their unique characteristics in both research and agriculture. This “vegetal turn” reflects a growing recognition among scholars in biology, history and philosophy of science, as well as in cultural studies, that plants should no longer be seen as passive and inert objects but as active, communicative, and agential subjects that shape their environment. In addition, new debates emerge around plant intelligence and the risks and benefits of anthropomorphizing plants. The vegetal turn also positions plants as vital in addressing global environmental issues, from climate change to food production. The workshop will discuss plants relevance for scientific and societal questions through historical, philosophical, and social lenses. *Participants: *Fabrizio Baldassarri (Harvard University), Quentin Hiernaux (Université Libre de Bruxelles), Katharine Legun (Wageningen University & Research), Sabina Leonelli (Technische Universität München), Kärin Nickelsen (Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität München), Abigail Nieves Delgado (Utrecht University), Arnika Peselmann (Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg), Miguel Segundo-Ortin (Universidad de Murcia), Matthew Sims (Ruhr-Universität Bochum), Vassiliki Betty Smocovitis (University of Florida), Vera Straetmanns (Ruhr University Bochum), Frank Uekötter (Ruhr University Bochum), Hugh Williamson (Technische Universität München), Jan Baedke (Ruhr University Bochum) *Organization: *Vera Straetmanns & Jan Baedke *Location:* Ruhr University Bochum and Zoom, 28th–29th November 2024 *For more info*,* the programme, and (in person or online) registration*: https://rotoworkshop2024.wixsite.com/flora *(4) November lectures at The Center for Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh* The Center for Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh invites you to join us for our November lectures. All lectures will be live streamed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRp47ZMXD7NXO3a9Gyh2sg. *Lunch Time Talk - Daian Tatiana Flórez Quintero* *Tuesday, November 19th @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EDT* In person at 1117 Cathedral of Learning (11th Floor) at the University of Pittsburgh or join online at https://pitt.zoom.us/j/91677465974 *Title:* Technological Incommensurability & Artifactual Kinds *Annual Lecture Series - Melanie Mitchell* *Friday, November 22 @ 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm EDT* In person in room 1008 (10th floor) Cathedral Learning at the University of Pittsburgh or join online at https://pitt.zoom.us/j/94763535113 *Title:* AI’s Challenge of Understanding the World *(5) Applications Open - Visiting Fellowships at The Center for Philosophy of Science - University of Pittsburgh* The Center for Philosophy of Science invites applications for visiting fellowships for the fall and/or spring term of the 2025-2026 academic year. These fellowships allow philosophers of science to work on their nominated research projects in a supportive academic environment. Ten fellowships are offered each year. *Eligibility:* - Applicants must hold a doctoral degree, preferably in philosophy or history and philosophy of science, or have an established position in the philosophy of science community. - We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups. *Support:* - Research must be funded by the applicant's university, a foundation, or a governmental agency. - A stipend of $2,500 per month will be provided to help cover relocation costs. *Expectations:* - Visiting Fellows have no formal duties but are expected to reside in Pittsburgh and engage in full-time research in their designated office at the Center for Philosophy of Science. - Fellows should participate in the Center’s activities by attending and giving talks and contributing to discussion groups. *Required Documents for Application:* - *Cover Letter*: A letter indicating your interest in a Visiting Fellowship that includes the proposed period of residence, details of any previous Fellowships at the Center, the source and amount of anticipated funding, and a statement regarding the need for supplementary funds. - *Project Description*: A 500-1000-word description of the project you intend to undertake during your residency. - *Curriculum Vitae*: A current CV detailing your academic background and experience. - *Writing Sample*: A sample of your written work that showcases your research and writing abilities. - *Letters of Reference*: Three letters of reference from knowledgeable scholars. We recommend that these letters be blinded to the applicant. Please email all letters directly to *[log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>*. Applications are due by *December 8th, 2024*, and must be submitted electronically on the University of Pittsburgh jobs portal. Apply Here *https://cfopitt.taleo.net/careersection/pitt_faculty_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=24007691&tz=GMT-04%3A00&tzname=America%2FNew_York <https://cfopitt.taleo.net/careersection/pitt_faculty_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=24007691&tz=GMT-04%3A00&tzname=America%2FNew_York>* More information and link to apply can be found here: *https://www.centerphilsci.pitt.edu/programs/visiting-fellows/program-overview/ <https://www.centerphilsci.pitt.edu/programs/visiting-fellows/program-overview/>* We look forward to reviewing your application!