by 
If you had a magic wand that could successfully challenge one current widespread assumption about the future, what would you “fix?” I was thinking about some of the key assumptions that I was challenging for After Capitalism, and as I thought about mine, I wondered what others might choose. No need to stick to “after capitalism,” but I would appreciate your insights if you do!
I would use my assumption fixing wand on this one: humanity as separate from nature. Oh my, this is at the root of so many problems! The dominant modern worldview is focused on achievement, growth and progress, with priorities such as high trust in science and technology (as the engines of progress), faith in the state (bureaucratization), rejection of out-groups, an appreciation of hard work and money, and determination to improve one’s social and economic status (see 4 types of values). It is often accompanied by a view that nature is something to be mastered or conquered, typically via science and technology.
The more science and technology has advanced, the greater our sense of dominance over nature has grown … to the point where we see ourselves above it and to be protected from it. The needs of other species only matter in relation to us. [Incidentally, we have talked about the possibility of super-intelligent AI … we had better hope that if this does come to pass, the super-intelligent AI will be kinder to us than we have been to other species.]
This may seem like a subtle assumption to challenge with my Assumption-Fixing Magic Wand, but I’ll ask you to think more on it and I think you’ll agree it’s implications are incredibly pervasive!
Okay, your turn! – Andy Hines
Leave a Reply