On September 20 at 4:00 p.m., we invite you to a discussion of Kate Brelje’s book *Plant-Inclusive Care Ethics*, during which we will explore together whether we have moral obligations toward plants. The discussion will be moderated by Agata Sagan.

For some time now, interest in plants has been growing not only among botanists and biologists, but also in the humanities—particularly among philosophers and ethicists. Some believe that plants are persons. Others believe they are a more or less conscious form of life entitled to certain rights. There are also those who would not grant them any rights at all, except perhaps very general ones stemming from the protection of the natural environment as a whole.

A recently published book by a young researcher from St. Bonaventure University summarizes the current state of knowledge on this topic and proposes a very minimalist approach that is hard to dispute. Using various examples, the author also demonstrates that caring for plants is often, in practice, a spontaneous and grassroots effort by those who work with them professionally. This applies to tomatoes grown for food, bonsai cultivated for aesthetic reasons, as well as wild plants such as redwoods—which, it would seem, „have nothing to do with us.”.

We consider some actions toward plants to be acceptable, while others are inappropriate. But what about us? If I didn’t water the plants at home because I went on vacation, did I do something wrong? 🌱

During the meeting led by Agata Sagan We’ll take a closer look at these questions and consider whether—and if so, what—moral obligations we have toward plants. We promise it won’t be too theoretical—instead, there will be plenty of room for discussion and your opinions. We’ll also take a closer look at this, What has been written about plants in Poland. It turns out, in fact, that clearly defined views on this subject can already be found in the 19th century.

📅 September 20, 2026, 4:00 p.m.
📍 Botanica Café
🎟️ Admission with a ticket or pass 

We warmly invite you to join us! 🌿