What do we mean when we say "Nature"? And what, if anything, is "natural"?

In this week’s episode, we’re pulling up a chair at the bar to ask: What do we really mean when we talk about “nature”? From the world outside us—plants, animals, and landscapes—to the idea of human nature itself, we’re questioning our often contradictory and complex ideas of what counts as “natural.” Are we referring to the non-human world or to something essential and intrinsic within us? And is either way of thinking about it as simple as it seems?

We look at how the concept of nature has been shaped by culture, philosophy, politics, and technology. Why, for instance, does a bird’s nest seem “natural” while our own homes do not? Does labeling something “natural” ever settle an argument, or does it just spark new ones? We also talk about the climate crisis, asking if we should see ourselves as part of nature or as caretakers of something separate. And should we trust that technology will resolve environmental issues, or do we need to challenge some of our own longstanding assumptions about nature itself?

Pour a drink and join us as we rethink what it means to be “natural” in a world where the line between nature and culture is more blurred than ever.

Full episode notes available at this link:
https://hotelbarpodcast.com/podcast/episode-156-meat

-------------------
If you enjoy Hotel Bar Sessions podcast, please be sure to subscribe and submit a rating/review! Better yet, you can support this podcast by signing up to be one of our Patrons at patreon.com/hotelbarsessions!

Follow us on Twitter/X @hotelbarpodcast, on Facebook, on TikTok, and subscribe to our YouTube channel!