The Shell of Venus

Examining posthuman and new materialist onto-epistemologies for educational contexts, the chapter argues that 21st century notions “complexity” and “existential risk” require a rethink of what education is for and how it all matters in light of a post-anthropocenic world that is outgrowing the epistemic foundations that our current educational models are built on. This chapter dives into the watery, intra-active world of Venus in order to set the stage for the purpose and processes used in this book. The chapter then introduces the format of the book – intra-active fieldnotes – and how the book presents the design, curriculum, and pedagogic innovation that underpinned a highly successful masters course that responded to these global challenges by fusing arts, education, and new materialist and posthumanist thinking for urgent times.