Jos de Mul. Human Nature after Neo-Darwinism. Lecture and Seminar with prof. Jos de Mul. Nijmegen: Radboud University, February 15, 2016.

AbstractIn the course of the 20th century the so-called Modern Synthesis of Neo-Darwinism has become the dominant paradigm in modern biology. First, it is explained how and why Darwin’s broad definition of evolution, in which the environment plays an important role, was narrowed down by Neo-Darwinism to a radical gene-centric view.  Next, the paradigm shift taking place today in ‘postgenomic’ evolutionary biology and genetics is discussed. It is argued that this shift opens the way to a more humane conception of evolution, more in line with Darwin’s view. Finally, I will discuss some of the implications of this paradigm shift for human self-reflection, taking The Music of Life. Biology Beyond Genes of systems biologist Denis Noble as a starting point.

KeywordsNeo-Darwinism, Dennis Noble, gene-centrism, postgenomics, agency, human self-reflection

Jos de Mul, Poetics of Genetics. Performance at the Biggest Visual Power Show. Paradiso Amsterdam, 20 January 20, 2005.

Philosopher Prof. Dr. Jos de Mul – author of countless articles and books like 'Cyberspace Odyssey', 'Domestication of Fate' and 'Database Delirium' – was a speaker at the Biggest Visual Power Show 2005 in Paradiso, Amsterdam. Inspired by the images of Basia Knobloch and music of Lauri Anderson, professor De Mul decided to sing his lecture. 

For someone who only has a hammer, everything appears to be a nail. For those who have computers, the world becomes a huge database.

The Biggest Visual Power Show – NextNature -  is an intellectual spectacle blending a conference and a pop concert. BVPS mixes movies and live performance, morphs physical experiences into virtual imagination. The 2005 edition of the Biggest Visual Power Show was held in poptemple Paradiso, Amsterdam. Over twenty artists, scientist, writers, filmdirectors, architects, designers, presented their radical ideas, visionary statements and powerful imagery on how we can design, build and live in Next Nature.

 More about the NextNature Powershow at NextNature.net