As I said in class I am very convinced by Haraway that the idea of autopoiesis cannot exist in the real world. I actually think that the patterns produced by the sand under pressure in Professor Bester's talk are similar to how I visualize the connections between "beings." Everything and everyone is connected to multiple other beings to the level that I am not sure if anything can really be described as singular (even at the cellular level as seen with Gilbert). I am so struck by the idea of forest systems as we discussed in class. The book that I mentioned at the end (To be taught if fortunate) is a great example of how human structures can learn from and implement the kinds of interconnection exhibited by trees. I like to think in my best moments my social network is not dissimilar to these trees. That beneath the visible there is something that connects me to the people I love, allowing for a give and take. This of course ties into Haraway's points about kin, which I really do feel is a crucial societal change that must be made. I would almost say that you cannot exist morally in the world without at least attempting to expand your kin network. Isolation is not a neutral act.
When considering space as a dimension the idea of sympoiesis is further expanded. Not only the Earth a totally interconnected system but it is impossible to truly separate the Earth from our solar system or even the Milky Way galaxy. I thought there were some interesting points made by the Carey piece but nothing that we haven't thought about before. I agree that applying the idea of sympoiesis could be useful here. Perhaps there are other factors that haven't been considered that would impact glacial melt or be damaged by it. More importantly, how would emphasizing the interconnected nature of our world increase concern and action related to this issue?