About Benedict Rattigan

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Benedict Rattigan is a British philosopher, writer, and founding Director of The Schweitzer Institute for Environmental Ethics, a think-tank that is affiliated with Peterhouse, University of Cambridge. He is best known for developing dynamic symmetry theory, which has been described by Oxford Professor Denis Noble as “one of the most deep theoretical insights you could have about the nature of the Universe, a breakthrough academics dream of”.

The theory redefines symmetry as a dynamic, generative process rather than a fixed principle, claiming that adaptability and complexity always emerge at the shifting boundary between order and chaos. Unlike traditional physics, which treats symmetry as a hallmark of order, Rattigan’s approach foregrounds ongoing negotiation, feedback, and emergence, applying this “edge of chaos” principle to systems ranging from quantum mechanics and biology to city planning, creativity, and ethics.

The theory has inspired academic conferences at the British Museum and Balliol College Oxford, a dedicated journal, and a Routledge book, The Language of Symmetry, co-authored by an interdisciplinary team of Oxford professors. A live-streamed seminar, Rattigan’s Edge: Exploring Dynamic Symmetry Theory, will take place at the Royal Society on 15th May 2026.