A Celebration of Philosophy, Poetry and the More-Than-Human World
15 June 2026 | The Lit & Phil, Newcastle| £5
supported by the BSA
Join us for an evening of philosophical reflection on the role that poetry can play in connecting us with non-human animals and the environment. Inspired by the writings of Newcastle-based philosopher Mary Midgley, we present insights from the global multi-species poetry experiment, Philosophy in the Wild: Finding Hope in Mixed Communities.
The evening will begin with a short introduction from the project’s director, poet-philosopher Dr Mara Daria Cojocaru, who will explain the concept of multispecies poetry and share poems co-authored with bats, bison and eider ducks.
After that, there will be two presentations. Dr Karen Simecek will talk about poetry as a site of community and explore the limits of felt connections to others through a poem. Dr Vid Simoniti will consider the claim that art is a form of worldmaking, and query what it would mean for art to help us reframe our relationship to the climate crisis.
After the talks there will be a chance to get a glass of wine or soft drink, before joining us for a roundtable discussion and Q&A.
You will be able to visit an interactive exhibition of the Philosophy in the Wild poetry, curated by Mara-Daria Cojocaru, at the Tin Church at Newton-by-the-Sea during June. This is part of a residency with The Old School Gallery, Alnmouth. Details will be announced on the project website.
Philosophy in the Wild: Finding Hope in Mixed Communities is the second philosophy-poetry project curated by Women in Parenthesis and inspired by Newcastle-philosopher Mary Midgley. The project is generously supported by the Midgley Trust, The British Society for Aesthetics, The Old School Gallery (Alnmouth), Durham University and University of Liverpool.
Tickets and more information: https://www.litandphil.org.uk/event/poetry-readings-a-celebration-of-philosophy-poetry-and-the-more-than-human-world/