Dr. Jeanette Herrle

Farming knowledge from the past for the future

Dr. Jeanette Herrle represents a remarkable blend of expertise and passion as a philosopher farmer, teacher, historian, and revolutionary. Her dangerously intelligent approach to a wide array of topics offers clients and audiences unique insights, blending the wisdom of the past with cutting-edge thoughts for the future.

Why philosopher farmers are essential

Farmers like Dr. Herrle, who cultivate knowledge alongside their crops and livestock, embody a deep connection to the land while also focusing on taking insights derived from their study and practice of sustainable agriculture back to their larger community. As a interdisciplinary thinker with a background in the academic study of the history of medicine, science, and technology as well as literature and religion, Dr. Herrle offers diverse viewpoints that challenge conventional wisdom and provide a richer understanding of various subjects.

Bringing together old and new

Dr. Herrle's agroecological approach to farming merges elements of agronomic science and open source technology with ancient wisdom, a cross-pollination of knowledge that results in a more dynamic view of agriculture. Embracing the complexity of natural and social ecosystems, she advocates for working with the intrinsic flows of these systems to ensure a sustainable food supply amid climate change. This interdisciplinary perspective is not only crucial for sustainable development but also provides valuable lessons for businesses seeking to adopt more holistic and sustainable practices.

Impactful teaching and coaching

As a teacher and coach, Dr. Herrle's ability to simplify and convey complex ideas is invaluable for fostering deep understanding and innovative thinking. Her constant quest for knowledge across various domains, from interpersonal relationships to interspecies dynamics, positions her as an endless well of insights. Yet Dr. Herrle's commitment to peer to peer, informal, and intergenerational learning networks that develop literacies and increase community capacity mean that her focus is always on empowering the learner.

A different kind of leader

Dr. Herrle's journey as a mother of twins and a diminutive, adult-onset Masters rower exemplifies resilience and determination. As the executive director of the Academy of the Impossible, she leads efforts to reconnect people with their food, with the natural world, and with each other in order to pool and share knowledge resources. Dr. Herrle firmly believes that tomorrow's leaders will be those who can help others make their way through this increasingly complicated world.

Dynamic speaker and presenter

Dr. Herrle's electric presence, both on stage and on screen, reflects her dynamic personality and her enthusiasm for sharing knowledge. This makes her an ideal speaker for events where engagement, inspiration, and empowerment are key.

Speaking Topics:

1. Finding your embodied intelligence living with animals and plants: We typically think of ourselves as walking brains. Let's explore how engagement with nonhuman intelligence can foster healing and understanding by returning focus to the mind in the body.
2. Re-imagining athleticism: Perhaps the template for excellence looks different for different bodies--how can we learn to embrace the unique accomplishments of older (Master) athletes?
3. My Guilty Pleasure, My Self: A deep dive into what our pop culture preferences reveal about our thoughts and emotions.
4. ADHD Elders: Older adults on a mission to adapt the world to their unique strengths instead of conforming to societal norms around "getting old".
5. Agroecology and the Future of Food: Sustainable food production practices are all the rage, but not all share the capacity for true transformation that agroecology brings to the table. What does an agroecological future really look like?
6. Starting Your Own Microfarm: Practical advice and inspiration for embarking on small-scale, sustainable farming.

Dr. Jeanette Herrle's multifaceted expertise and charismatic delivery make her an invaluable asset to any event or engagement, providing fresh perspectives and empowering insights into what it means to be at the intersection of human activity and the natural world.

Contact us to book Jeanette for your event!

Philosophy in the Digital Age

Navigating the Ethics of AI and LLMs

In the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs), the role of philosophy becomes increasingly crucial. As we integrate these advanced technologies into the fabric of daily life, philosophical inquiry helps us navigate the ethical, moral, and existential questions they raise. Philosophy provides a framework for understanding not just how these technologies work, but more importantly, their impact on human life, society, and our collective future.

Firstly, philosophy prompts critical reflection on the ethical implications of AI and LLMs. Questions around data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential for AI to perpetuate or exacerbate social inequalities are inherently philosophical in nature. Philosophers can guide technologists, policymakers, and the public in considering these issues, ensuring that technology development aligns with ethical norms and values. Moreover, as AI and LLMs increasingly mimic human cognition and interaction, philosophical discussions about consciousness, identity, and what it means to be human become more relevant. These discussions help us understand the implications of creating entities that can think, learn, and potentially feel, guiding responsible creation and use of AI.

Furthermore, philosophy plays a pivotal role in examining the long-term consequences of AI and LLMs on society. This includes considerations of how they might transform the nature of work, the structure of economies, and the way we interact with one another. Philosophers can help us envision and strive for a future where technology enhances human capabilities and welfare, rather than diminishing or replacing them.

In essence, as we step further into this new era of advanced technology, philosophy offers essential tools for ensuring that our technological progress is grounded in careful, ethical, and thoughtful consideration of its broader implications for humanity.