Dal parassitismo alla simbiosi.

This lecture is a deep dive into the figure of the parasite in Michel Serre’s works. In this context, the parasite’s paradigmatic role illuminates human nature. As Serres asserts, humans naturally exhibit parasitic behaviour: they steal, consume others’ food, and ultimately, live off the efforts of other subjects. However, the real intellectual challenge lies for Serres in understanding that parasitic behaviour is not fixed and has the potential to transform for the better. This is the intriguing proposition that Serres hints at in The Natural Contract. Our contribution concludes with a rigorous commentary on these profound considerations.