I would want to encourage people to think about the scientific basis for and implications of the coexistence of a directionless, non-purposive natural world with humans and human societies. In some aspects we are, of course, a natural species, like any other. But unlike any other species, we are characterised by self-awareness, and by the capacity for forethought. These features are situated in, and constituted by, something above and beyond nature - societies that learn, progress and develop.

The connection and separation between humanity and nature raises many difficult scientific issues. Not the least of these is to uncover the origin of our uniquely non-natural attributes, without falling back upon religion. But it is the implications for the present and for the future that I would want people to think about most. At a time when we are often encouraged, implicitly or explicitly, to view human activity as selfish and destructive of nature - a finely balanced system - it is important to highlight that a human-centred view is neither hubristic, nor foolhardy. Such a view is simply the only meaningful way of thinking about a whole range of questions.

This understanding would not, by itself, resolve contemporary disputes, such as disputes over the dangers posed by climate change. This understanding would, however, create a different basis from which to consider the issues.

John Gillott is coauthor of Science and the Retreat from Reason (buy this book from Amazon (UK) or Amazon (USA)).