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GREEN WONDER: A PHILOSOPHY OF THE HIDDEN

LANGUAGE OF PLANTS

JANE D. GALLAMASO, PhD.

Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City

ABSTRACT

There are fundamental differences in communication between plants and humans. Plant language makes use of chemical signals, electrical impulses, and other non-verbal cues, whereas human language is based on symbols and spoken words. With its intricate syntax and semantics, human language can communicate over great distances. Plant communication, on the other hand, uses more basic signals that are frequently localized within the plant. This does not imply that plant communication is less complex, though. Decentralized communication between various parts is facilitated by complex networks in plant language. It differs from human language, which is primarily used for explicit communication with others, in that it places more emphasis on internal regulation and response to the environment. Anthropomorphism is a major barrier to understanding plant communication. This is the propensity to give plants human characteristics. Rather, we ought to see plant communication as a distinct mode of expression. It's a language of silence, where the plant speaks through its own growth. A plant's growth pattern becomes its essence, its identity. Plants thrive through a process of "becoming," an ineffable natural fulfillment of their existence that cannot be expressed in words or syntax used by humans.

This paper suggests a paradigm change in our approach. It makes the case for recognizing that plant communication is incomprehensible and transcending the bounds of human language.

The study uses a purely qualitative methodology to investigate this theory.

 

INTRODUCTION

From ancient times, plants have been essential to maintaining life on Earth. They came from aquatic life and eventually took over the whole planet. Over time, a world of bushes, trees, and flowers has developed, mingled with human life, and taken on a vital role in our surroundings. Plant growth has altered natural and geochemical processes as well as the terrestrial environment. In addition to offering numerous advantages like food for humans and animals, oxygen, and both traditional and modern medicine, plants also aid in lowering carbon dioxide levels. They also aid in the formation of new species and maintain the equilibrium of ecosystems. Gagliano (2013).

These plants have been our lifelong friends, offering the first indications of universal relationships and exchanges in the field of life. According to Irigaray (2016), the environment found in plants is the oldest that humans have ever encountered. It is a reflection of our primordial existence and is intimately related to the discovery and evolution of life. In the natural world, our interactions and relationships with plants are pre-reflective. They are here in front of us, engaging with us directly and without the need for reflection or analysis. (Irigaray 2016).

Interestingly, though, plants have not received much attention in philosophical discourse, despite their obvious importance in supporting life and ecosystems. Their research is frequently limited to the fields of botany and biology. But philosophy crosses all disciplinary boundaries by definition, including the natural sciences. Investigating the nature of plants and their intricate relationship with humans requires a philosophical perspective.

But the challenge is difficult because plant life has been marginalized and human-centered thinking has become more and more prevalent, particularly with the rise of animal rights activists. Because of the increasing urbanization, biodiversity loss, continued devastation of the environment, and decline in botany education, the study of vegetation has received little attention. Many times, the classification and study of plants are done purely for practical reasons. (Gagliano, 2013).

The adoption of sustainable environmental practices, as well as the preservation and protection of our environment while also acknowledging our responsibilities towards nature, have become increasingly important in recent times. Acknowledging plants as vital components of the ecosystem, for which we bear responsibility, is imperative. Understanding our relationship with plants is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. This involves using philosophy to delve into the essence of the communication that plants have inherently.

 

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