HUL 288 HUL 288 Science and Science and HumanismHumanism

Development of Materialistic and Development of Materialistic and Mechanistic worldview alongside Mechanistic worldview alongside growth in Science and Technologygrowth in Science and Technology

& &

Implications of Materialistic Implications of Materialistic Worldview and Modern Worldview and Modern

PredicamentPredicament

In the course so farIn the course so far

Modern Technology & Human Modern Technology & Human WelfareWelfare

Benefits and detriments of Modern Benefits and detriments of Modern TechnologyTechnology

In-depth study of fundamental traits In-depth study of fundamental traits of modern technology essentialof modern technology essential

Human Welfare : Does Modern Human Welfare : Does Modern Technology deliver?Technology deliver?

Propelling force behind MT : Propelling force behind MT : MaterialismMaterialism

In the course so farIn the course so far Development of MWVDevelopment of MWV

Socratic Platonic Thought : Super-Socratic Platonic Thought : Super-sensible world, Right Knowledge, sensible world, Right Knowledge, The Idea of GoodThe Idea of Good

Christian WorldviewChristian Worldview Emergence of Scientific WorldviewEmergence of Scientific Worldview Science-Religion ConflictScience-Religion Conflict Establishment of MWVEstablishment of MWV

Definitions of HumanismDefinitions of Humanism

"...seeking, without religion, the best in, and "...seeking, without religion, the best in, and for, human beings."for, human beings." Chambers Pocket DictionaryChambers Pocket Dictionary

"...a doctrine, attitude, or way of life centered "...a doctrine, attitude, or way of life centered on human interests or values; especially: a on human interests or values; especially: a philosophy that usually rejects philosophy that usually rejects supernaturalism and stresses an individual's supernaturalism and stresses an individual's dignity and worth and capacity for self-dignity and worth and capacity for self-realization through reason."realization through reason." Merriam Merriam Webster DictionaryWebster Dictionary

"A system of thought that centers on humans "A system of thought that centers on humans and their values, capacities, and worth."and their values, capacities, and worth." American Heritage DictionaryAmerican Heritage Dictionary

"...a non-religious philosophy, based on liberal "...a non-religious philosophy, based on liberal human values."human values." Little Oxford DictionaryLittle Oxford Dictionary

"That which is characteristically human, not "That which is characteristically human, not supernatural, that which belongs to man and not supernatural, that which belongs to man and not to external nature, that which raises man to his to external nature, that which raises man to his greatest height or gives him, as man, his greatest greatest height or gives him, as man, his greatest satisfaction."satisfaction." Encyclopedia of the Social SciencesEncyclopedia of the Social Sciences

"...an appeal to reason in contrast to revelation "...an appeal to reason in contrast to revelation or religious authority as a means of finding out or religious authority as a means of finding out about the natural world and destiny of man, and about the natural world and destiny of man, and also giving a grounding for morality... Humanist also giving a grounding for morality... Humanist ethics is also distinguished by placing the end of ethics is also distinguished by placing the end of moral action in the welfare of humanity rather moral action in the welfare of humanity rather than in fulfilling the will of God."than in fulfilling the will of God." Oxford Oxford Companion to PhilosophyCompanion to Philosophy

HumanismHumanism

HumanismHumanism is a broad category of is a broad category of ethical philosophies that affirm the dignity that affirm the dignity and worth of all people, based on the ability and worth of all people, based on the ability to determine to determine right and wrongright and wrong by appeal to by appeal to universal human qualities—particularly universal human qualities—particularly rationality. .

It is a component of a variety of more It is a component of a variety of more specific specific philosophical systems, and is systems, and is incorporated into several religious schools of incorporated into several religious schools of thought. thought.

What is a Worldview ?What is a Worldview ? One of the biggest problems of present One of the biggest problems of present

society is the effect of overall society is the effect of overall change and acceleration on human on human psychology. Neither individual minds psychology. Neither individual minds nor collective culture seem able to cope nor collective culture seem able to cope with the unpredictable change and with the unpredictable change and growing complexity. growing complexity.

Stress, uncertainty and frustration increase, minds are overloaded with , minds are overloaded with information, knowledge fragments, information, knowledge fragments, values erode, negative developments values erode, negative developments are consistently overemphasized, while are consistently overemphasized, while positive ones are ignored. positive ones are ignored.

What is a Worldview ?What is a Worldview ? The resulting climate is one of nihilism, The resulting climate is one of nihilism,

anxiety and despair. While the wisdom anxiety and despair. While the wisdom gathered in the past has lost much of gathered in the past has lost much of its validity, we its validity, we don't have a clear visiondon't have a clear vision of the future either. As a result, there of the future either. As a result, there does not seem to be anything left to does not seem to be anything left to guide our actions. guide our actions.

What we need is What we need is a framework that ties a framework that ties everything togethereverything together, that allows us to , that allows us to understand society, the world, and our understand society, the world, and our place in it, and that could place in it, and that could help us to help us to make the critical decisionsmake the critical decisions which will which will shape our future. shape our future.

What is a Worldview ?What is a Worldview ?

It would It would synthesize the wisdomsynthesize the wisdom gathered gathered in the different scientific disciplines, in the different scientific disciplines, philosophies and religions. philosophies and religions.

Rather than focusing on small sections Rather than focusing on small sections of reality, it would provide us with of reality, it would provide us with a a picture of the wholepicture of the whole. .

In particular, it would help us to In particular, it would help us to understand, and therefore understand, and therefore cope with cope with complexity and changecomplexity and change. Such a . Such a conceptual framework may be called a conceptual framework may be called a "world view"."world view".

Worldview (1/7)Worldview (1/7)

A model of the worldA model of the world It should allow us to understand how the It should allow us to understand how the world functions and how it is structured. world functions and how it is structured. "World" here means the totality, "World" here means the totality, everything that exists around us, everything that exists around us, including the physical universe, the Earth, including the physical universe, the Earth, life, mind, society and culture. We life, mind, society and culture. We ourselves are an important part of that ourselves are an important part of that world. Therefore, a world view should also world. Therefore, a world view should also answer the basic question: answer the basic question: "Who are we?"."Who are we?".

Worldview (2/7)Worldview (2/7)

ExplanationExplanation The second component is supposed to The second component is supposed to explainexplain the first one. It should answer the questions: the first one. It should answer the questions: "Why is the world the way it is? Where does it "Why is the world the way it is? Where does it all come from? Where do we come from?".all come from? Where do we come from?". This is perhaps the most important part of a This is perhaps the most important part of a world view. If we can explain how and why a world view. If we can explain how and why a particular phenomenon (say life or mind) has particular phenomenon (say life or mind) has arisen, we will be able to better understand arisen, we will be able to better understand how that phenomenon functions. It will also how that phenomenon functions. It will also help us to understand how that phenomenon help us to understand how that phenomenon will continue to evolve. will continue to evolve.

Worldview (3/7)Worldview (3/7)

FuturologyFuturology This extrapolation of past evolution into the This extrapolation of past evolution into the future defines a third component of a world future defines a third component of a world view: view: futurology. It should answer the . It should answer the question question "Where are we going to?""Where are we going to?" It It should give us a list of possibilities, of more should give us a list of possibilities, of more or less probable future developments. But or less probable future developments. But this will confront us with a choice: which of this will confront us with a choice: which of the different alternatives should we the different alternatives should we promote and which should we avoid? promote and which should we avoid?

Worldview (4/7)Worldview (4/7)

ValuesValues This is the more fundamental issue of value: This is the more fundamental issue of value: "What is good and what is evil?""What is good and what is evil?" The The theory theory of valuesof values defines the fourth component of a defines the fourth component of a world view. It includes morality or world view. It includes morality or ethics, , the system of rules which tells us how we the system of rules which tells us how we should or should not behave. It also gives us should or should not behave. It also gives us a sense of purpose, a direction or set of a sense of purpose, a direction or set of goals to guide our actions. Together with the goals to guide our actions. Together with the answer to the question answer to the question "why?","why?", the answer the answer to the question to the question "what for?","what for?", may help us to may help us to understand the real understand the real meaning of lifemeaning of life. .

Worldview (5/7)Worldview (5/7)

ActionAction Knowing what to strive for does not yet Knowing what to strive for does not yet mean knowing how to get there, though. mean knowing how to get there, though. The next component must be a The next component must be a theory of theory of actionaction (praxiology). It would answer the (praxiology). It would answer the question question "How should we act?""How should we act?" It would It would help us to solve practical problems and to help us to solve practical problems and to implement plans of action. implement plans of action.

Worldview (6/7)Worldview (6/7)

KnowledgeKnowledge Plans are based on knowledge and information, Plans are based on knowledge and information, on theories and models describing the on theories and models describing the phenomena we encounter. Therefore, we need phenomena we encounter. Therefore, we need to understand how we can construct reliable to understand how we can construct reliable models. This is the component of models. This is the component of knowledge knowledge acquisitionacquisition. It is equivalent to what in . It is equivalent to what in philosophy is called "philosophy is called "epistemology" or " or "the "the theory of knowledge".theory of knowledge". It should allow us to It should allow us to distinguish better theories from worse theories. distinguish better theories from worse theories. It should answer the traditional philosophical It should answer the traditional philosophical question "What is true and what is false?" question "What is true and what is false?"

Worldview (7/7)Worldview (7/7)

Building BlocksBuilding Blocks The final point on the agenda of a world The final point on the agenda of a world view builder is not meant to answer any view builder is not meant to answer any fundamental question. It just reminds us fundamental question. It just reminds us that world views cannot be developed from that world views cannot be developed from scratch. You need building blocks to start scratch. You need building blocks to start with. These building blocks can be found in with. These building blocks can be found in existing theories, models, concepts, existing theories, models, concepts, guidelines and values, scattered over the guidelines and values, scattered over the different disciplines and ideologies. This different disciplines and ideologies. This defines the seventh component: defines the seventh component: fragments fragments of world views as a starting pointof world views as a starting point. .

MaterialismMaterialism In In philosophy, , materialismmaterialism is that form of is that form of

physicalism which holds that the only thing that which holds that the only thing that can truly be said to can truly be said to exist is is matter; that ; that fundamentally, all things are composed of fundamentally, all things are composed of materialmaterial and all phenomena are the result of and all phenomena are the result of material interactions; that matter is the only material interactions; that matter is the only substance. .

As a theory, materialism belongs to the class of As a theory, materialism belongs to the class of monist ontology. As such, it is different from . As such, it is different from ontological theories based on ontological theories based on dualism or or pluralism. In terms of singular explanations of the . In terms of singular explanations of the phenomenal reality, materialism stands in sharp phenomenal reality, materialism stands in sharp contrast to contrast to idealism..

Materialism : Indian Materialism : Indian School ?School ?

CārvākaCārvāka is a system of Indian philosophy that is a system of Indian philosophy that assumed various forms of philosophical skepticism assumed various forms of philosophical skepticism and religious indifference. It is also known as and religious indifference. It is also known as lokyātalokyāta. . It is named after its founder, Cārvāka, author of the It is named after its founder, Cārvāka, author of the Bārhaspatya-sūtras..

In overviews of Indian Philosophy, Carvaka is In overviews of Indian Philosophy, Carvaka is classified as a "heterodox" (classified as a "heterodox" (nāstika) system, the same ) system, the same classifcation as is given to classifcation as is given to Buddhism and and Jainism..

It is characterized as a It is characterized as a materialistic and and atheistic school of thought. While this branch of Indian school of thought. While this branch of Indian philosophy is not considered to be part of the six philosophy is not considered to be part of the six orthodox schools of Hinduism, it is noteworthy as orthodox schools of Hinduism, it is noteworthy as evidence of a evidence of a materialistic movement within within Hinduism..

Materialism : Indian Materialism : Indian School ?School ?

The name The name lokyātalokyāta can be traced to can be traced to Kautilya's 's ArthashastraArthashastra, which refers to three "logical , which refers to three "logical philosophies", philosophies", Yoga, , Samkhya and Lokayata. Lokayata and Lokayata. Lokayata here still refers to logical debate (here still refers to logical debate (disputatiodisputatio, , "criticism") in general and not to a materialist "criticism") in general and not to a materialist doctrine in particular. doctrine in particular.

Only from about the 6th century is the term restricted Only from about the 6th century is the term restricted to the school of the to the school of the LokyātikaLokyātikas. s.

The name The name cārvākacārvāka is first used in the 7th century by is first used in the 7th century by the philosopher the philosopher Purandara, who refers to his fellow , who refers to his fellow materialists as "the Carvakas", and it is used by the materialists as "the Carvakas", and it is used by the 8th century philosophers Kamalaśīla and Haribhadra. 8th century philosophers Kamalaśīla and Haribhadra. Shankara, on the other hand, always uses Shankara, on the other hand, always uses lokyātalokyāta, not , not cārvākacārvāka..

Chatterjee and Datta explain that our Chatterjee and Datta explain that our understanding of Carvaka philosophy is understanding of Carvaka philosophy is fragmentary, based largely on criticism of the fragmentary, based largely on criticism of the ideas by other schools, and that it is not a living ideas by other schools, and that it is not a living tradition:tradition:

"Though materialism in some form or other has "Though materialism in some form or other has always been present in India, and occasional always been present in India, and occasional references are found in the Vedas, the references are found in the Vedas, the Buddhistic literature, the Epics, as well as in Buddhistic literature, the Epics, as well as in the later philosophical works we do not find the later philosophical works we do not find any systematic work on materialism, nor any any systematic work on materialism, nor any organised school of followers as the other organised school of followers as the other philosophical schools possess. But almost every philosophical schools possess. But almost every work of the other schools states, for refutation, work of the other schools states, for refutation, the materialistic views. Our knowledge of the materialistic views. Our knowledge of Indian materialism is chiefly based on these.“Indian materialism is chiefly based on these.“

Satischandra Chatterjee and Dhirendramohan Datta. Satischandra Chatterjee and Dhirendramohan Datta. An Introduction to An Introduction to Indian PhilosophyIndian Philosophy. Eighth Reprint Edition. (University of Calcutta: 1984). p. 55. . Eighth Reprint Edition. (University of Calcutta: 1984). p. 55.

]]

IdealismIdealism IdealismIdealism is the doctrine that ideas, or thought, is the doctrine that ideas, or thought,

make up either the whole or an indispensable make up either the whole or an indispensable aspect of any full realityaspect of any full reality, so that a world of , so that a world of material objects containing no thought either material objects containing no thought either could not exist as it is experienced, or would not could not exist as it is experienced, or would not be fully "real." be fully "real."

Idealism is often contrasted with Idealism is often contrasted with materialismmaterialism, both , both belonging to the class of monist as opposed to belonging to the class of monist as opposed to dualist or pluralist ontologies. dualist or pluralist ontologies.

Scientific WorldviewScientific Worldview

1500-1700 : Dramatic shift in 1500-1700 : Dramatic shift in worldview and value system which is worldview and value system which is the basis of human civilizationthe basis of human civilization

This gave the basis for modern This gave the basis for modern civilization’s Techno-Economic civilization’s Techno-Economic Paradigm for the last 300 years. Paradigm for the last 300 years.

Does this worldview need to be Does this worldview need to be reexamined? reexamined?

Is this an urgent task? Is this an urgent task?

Worldviews prior to Worldviews prior to Scientific WorldviewScientific Worldview

Pre- 1500 : Organic Living, Small Pre- 1500 : Organic Living, Small CommunitiesCommunities

Interdependence of material and spiritual Interdependence of material and spiritual phenomenaphenomena

Medieval science based on both reason Medieval science based on both reason and faith, questions relating to God, and faith, questions relating to God, human soul, ethics were of highest human soul, ethics were of highest significancesignificance

1616thth and 17 and 17thth centuries : This changed centuries : This changed radicallyradically

Age of Scientific Age of Scientific RevolutionRevolution

Revolutionary changes in physics, astronomy, Revolutionary changes in physics, astronomy, culminating in achievements of Copernicus, culminating in achievements of Copernicus, Galileo and NewtonGalileo and Newton

World-machine metaphor became dominant World-machine metaphor became dominant metaphor of modern erametaphor of modern era

Science of 17Science of 17thth century based on new method century based on new method of enquiry, advocated forcefully by Francis of enquiry, advocated forcefully by Francis Bacon Bacon

Mathematical description of nature and Mathematical description of nature and analytical method of reasoning conceived by analytical method of reasoning conceived by DescartesDescartes

CopernicusCopernicus KeplerKepler Galileo : Galileo : “scientists should restrict “scientists should restrict

themselves to studying essential themselves to studying essential properties of material bodies – shapes, properties of material bodies – shapes, numbers and movement – which could be numbers and movement – which could be measured and quantified. Other measured and quantified. Other properties like colour, sund, taste or properties like colour, sund, taste or smell, were merely subkective mental smell, were merely subkective mental projections which should be excluded projections which should be excluded from the domain of science”from the domain of science”

Objective, Quantitative EnquiryObjective, Quantitative Enquiry

Implications of Galileo’s Implications of Galileo’s Objective Quantifiable Objective Quantifiable

ScienceScience R D Laing renowned psychiatrist :R D Laing renowned psychiatrist :

““ Out go sight, sound, taste, touch and Out go sight, sound, taste, touch and smell and along with them has since smell and along with them has since gone aesthetics and ethical gone aesthetics and ethical sensibility, values, quality, form, all sensibility, values, quality, form, all feelings, motives, intentions, soul, feelings, motives, intentions, soul, consciousness. Experience as such is consciousness. Experience as such is cast out of the realm of scientific cast out of the realm of scientific discourse.discourse.

Newtonian World MachineNewtonian World MachineCartesian FrameworkCartesian Framework

All science is certain, evident knowledgeAll science is certain, evident knowledge – Rene Descartes– Rene Descartes

Vocation in life was to distinguish truth from Vocation in life was to distinguish truth from error from all fields of learningerror from all fields of learning

““We reject all knowledge which is merely We reject all knowledge which is merely probable and judge that only those probable and judge that only those things should be believed which are things should be believed which are perfectly known and about which there perfectly known and about which there can be no doubts”can be no doubts”

Belief in certainty of scientific knowledge – Belief in certainty of scientific knowledge – infallibility (we will examine this in next infallibility (we will examine this in next module) t module) t

Descartes method of Descartes method of analytic thoughtanalytic thought and view of nature have influenced al and view of nature have influenced al branches of sciencebranches of science

Breaking up thoughts and problems in Breaking up thoughts and problems in pieces and arranging them in logical pieces and arranging them in logical orderorder

Crux of Descartes’ method is Crux of Descartes’ method is RADICAL RADICAL DOUBTDOUBT – doubts everything he manages – doubts everything he manages to doubt- all given knowledge, to doubt- all given knowledge, impressions of his senses, even the fact impressions of his senses, even the fact that he has a body- till he reachs one that he has a body- till he reachs one thing he cannot refute – his existence as thing he cannot refute – his existence as a thinker – a thinker – cogito ergo sumcogito ergo sum – – I think, I think, therefore, I am.therefore, I am.

Without Without Descartes’ methodDescartes’ method, we may , we may not have been able to implement sme not have been able to implement sme of the gigantic scientific projectsof the gigantic scientific projects

However, However, overemphasisoveremphasis of Cartesian of Cartesian method has led to method has led to fragmentationfragmentation which is characteristic of all which is characteristic of all scientific (knowledge) enquiry todayscientific (knowledge) enquiry today

This is where the widespread This is where the widespread attitude of reductionism in science attitude of reductionism in science stems from – stems from – the belief that all the belief that all aspects of complex phenomena can aspects of complex phenomena can be understood by reducing them to be understood by reducing them to their constituent partstheir constituent parts

Descartes’ Descartes’ cogitocogito has made mind more has made mind more certain than matter – and led him to certain than matter – and led him to the conclusion that the two were the conclusion that the two were separate and fundamentally differentseparate and fundamentally different

““there is nothing in the concept of there is nothing in the concept of body that belongs to the mind; and body that belongs to the mind; and nothing in that of mind which belongs nothing in that of mind which belongs to the bodyto the body””

This This Cartesian division between mind Cartesian division between mind and bodyand body has had a profound influence has had a profound influence on Western thoughton Western thought

Cartesian DualityCartesian Duality ““Material Universe is a machine and nothing but a Material Universe is a machine and nothing but a

machine”machine” No purpose, life or spirituality in materNature No purpose, life or spirituality in materNature

worked acording to mechanical laws and everything worked acording to mechanical laws and everything in the material world could be explained in terms of in the material world could be explained in terms of he arrangement and movement of its partshe arrangement and movement of its parts

For Descartes, existence of God was essential to his For Descartes, existence of God was essential to his scientific philosophy, but in subsequent centuries, scientific philosophy, but in subsequent centuries, scientists omitted any explicit reference to God and scientists omitted any explicit reference to God and developed theories according to Cartesian division.developed theories according to Cartesian division.

Humanities concerned with Humanities concerned with res cogitansres cogitans (thinking (thinking thing) and sciences on thing) and sciences on res extensares extensa (extended thing) (extended thing)

DescartesDescartesWriting about Descartes, Schopenhauer claimed, Writing about Descartes, Schopenhauer claimed, "… he was the first to bring to our consciousness the "… he was the first to bring to our consciousness the problem whereon all philosophy has since mainly turned, problem whereon all philosophy has since mainly turned, namely that of the ideal and the real. This is the question namely that of the ideal and the real. This is the question concerning what in our knowledge is objective and what concerning what in our knowledge is objective and what subjective, and hence what eventually is to be ascribed by subjective, and hence what eventually is to be ascribed by us to things different from us and what is to be attributed to us to things different from us and what is to be attributed to ourselves." ourselves."

According to Descartes, we really know only what is in our According to Descartes, we really know only what is in our own consciousnesses. We are immediately and directly own consciousnesses. We are immediately and directly aware of only our own states of mind. The whole external aware of only our own states of mind. The whole external world is merely an idea or picture in our minds. Therefore, world is merely an idea or picture in our minds. Therefore, it is possible to doubt the reality of the external world as it is possible to doubt the reality of the external world as consisting of real objects.consisting of real objects.

“ “I think, therefore I am” is the only assertion that can’t be I think, therefore I am” is the only assertion that can’t be doubted. doubted.

Newtonian WorldviewNewtonian Worldview Until the early 20th century, Until the early 20th century, classical classical

mechanicsmechanics, as first formulated by Newton and , as first formulated by Newton and further developed by Laplace and others, was further developed by Laplace and others, was seen as the foundation for science as a whole. seen as the foundation for science as a whole.

It was expected that the observations made by It was expected that the observations made by other sciences would sooner or later be reduced other sciences would sooner or later be reduced to the laws of mechanics. to the laws of mechanics.

Although that never happened, other disciplines, Although that never happened, other disciplines, such as biology, psychology or economics, did such as biology, psychology or economics, did adopt a general mechanistic or Newtonian adopt a general mechanistic or Newtonian methodology and world view. methodology and world view.

This influence was so great, that most people This influence was so great, that most people with a basic notion of science still implicitly with a basic notion of science still implicitly equate "scientific thinking" with "Newtonian equate "scientific thinking" with "Newtonian thinking".thinking".

Newtonian WorldviewNewtonian Worldview The reason for this pervasive influence is that The reason for this pervasive influence is that

the the mechanistic paradigmmechanistic paradigm is compelling by its is compelling by its simplicity, coherence and apparent simplicity, coherence and apparent completeness. completeness.

Moreover, it was not only very successful in its Moreover, it was not only very successful in its scientific applications, but largely in agreement scientific applications, but largely in agreement with intuition and common-sense. with intuition and common-sense.

Later theories of mechanics, such as relativity Later theories of mechanics, such as relativity theory and quantum mechanics, while at least theory and quantum mechanics, while at least as successful in the realm of applications, as successful in the realm of applications, lacked this simplicity and intuitive appeal, and lacked this simplicity and intuitive appeal, and are still plagued by paradoxes, confusions and are still plagued by paradoxes, confusions and multiple interpretations. multiple interpretations.

Newtonian WorldviewNewtonian Worldview

The logic behind Newtonian science is easy to The logic behind Newtonian science is easy to formulate, although its implications are subtle. formulate, although its implications are subtle. Its best known principle, which was formulated Its best known principle, which was formulated by the philosopher-scientist Descartes well by the philosopher-scientist Descartes well before Newton, is that of analysis or before Newton, is that of analysis or reductionism: to understand any complex reductionism: to understand any complex phenomenon, you need to take it apart, i.e. phenomenon, you need to take it apart, i.e. reduce it to its individual componentsreduce it to its individual components. .

If these are still complex, you need to take If these are still complex, you need to take your analysis one step further, and look at your analysis one step further, and look at their components. their components.

If you continue this subdivision long If you continue this subdivision long enough, you will end up with the smallest enough, you will end up with the smallest possible parts, the atoms (in the original possible parts, the atoms (in the original meaning of "meaning of "indivisiblesindivisibles"), or what we "), or what we would now call "elementary particles". would now call "elementary particles".

Particles can be seen as separate pieces of Particles can be seen as separate pieces of the same hard, permanent substance that is the same hard, permanent substance that is called matter. called matter. Newtonian ontology Newtonian ontology therefore is materialistictherefore is materialistic::

It assumes that all phenomena, whether It assumes that all phenomena, whether physical, biological, mental or social, are physical, biological, mental or social, are ultimately constituted of matter. ultimately constituted of matter.

The only property that fundamentally The only property that fundamentally distinguishes particles is their position in distinguishes particles is their position in space (which may include dimensions space (which may include dimensions other than the conventional three). other than the conventional three).

Apparently different substances, systems Apparently different substances, systems or phenomena are merely different or phenomena are merely different arrangements in space of fundamentally arrangements in space of fundamentally equivalent pieces of matter. equivalent pieces of matter.

Any change, development or evolution is Any change, development or evolution is therefore merely a geometrical therefore merely a geometrical rearrangement caused by the movement rearrangement caused by the movement of the components. This movement is of the components. This movement is governed by deterministic laws of cause governed by deterministic laws of cause and effect.and effect.

If you know the initial positions and velocities of If you know the initial positions and velocities of the particles constituting a system together with the particles constituting a system together with the forces acting on those particles (which are the forces acting on those particles (which are themselves determined by the positions of these themselves determined by the positions of these and other particles), then you can in principle and other particles), then you can in principle predict the further evolution of the system with predict the further evolution of the system with complete certainty and accuracy. complete certainty and accuracy.

The trajectory of the system is not only The trajectory of the system is not only determined towards the future, but towards the determined towards the future, but towards the past: given its present state, you can in principle past: given its present state, you can in principle reverse the evolution to reconstruct any earlier reverse the evolution to reconstruct any earlier state it has gone through.state it has gone through.

The elements of the Newtonian ontology The elements of the Newtonian ontology are matter, the absolute space and time in are matter, the absolute space and time in which that matter moves, and the forces which that matter moves, and the forces or natural laws that govern movement.or natural laws that govern movement.

No other fundamental categories of being, No other fundamental categories of being, such as mind, life, organization or such as mind, life, organization or purpose, are acknowledged. They are at purpose, are acknowledged. They are at most to be seen as epiphenomena, as most to be seen as epiphenomena, as particular arrangements of particles in particular arrangements of particles in space and time. space and time.

Newtonian epistemology is based on the Newtonian epistemology is based on the reflection-correspondence view of knowledge: reflection-correspondence view of knowledge: our knowledge is merely an (imperfect) reflection our knowledge is merely an (imperfect) reflection of the particular arrangements of matter outside of the particular arrangements of matter outside of us. The task of science is to make the mapping of us. The task of science is to make the mapping or correspondence between the external, or correspondence between the external, material objects and the internal, cognitive material objects and the internal, cognitive elements (concepts or symbols) that represent elements (concepts or symbols) that represent them as accurate as possible. them as accurate as possible.

That can be achieved by simple observation, That can be achieved by simple observation, where information about external phenomena is where information about external phenomena is collected and registered, thus further completing collected and registered, thus further completing the internal picture that is taking shape. In the the internal picture that is taking shape. In the limit, this should lead to a perfect, objective limit, this should lead to a perfect, objective representation of the world outside us, which representation of the world outside us, which would allow us to accurately predict all would allow us to accurately predict all phenomena. phenomena.

Principle of Distinction Principle of Distinction ConservationConservation

All these different assumptions can summarized by the principle of All these different assumptions can summarized by the principle of distinction conservation (Heylighen, 1990): classical science begins by distinction conservation (Heylighen, 1990): classical science begins by making as precise as possible distinctions between the different making as precise as possible distinctions between the different components, properties and states of the system under observation.components, properties and states of the system under observation.

These distinctions are assumed to be absolute and objective, i.e. the same These distinctions are assumed to be absolute and objective, i.e. the same for all observers. The evolution of the system conserves all these for all observers. The evolution of the system conserves all these distinctions, as distinct initial states are necessarily mapped onto distinct distinctions, as distinct initial states are necessarily mapped onto distinct subsequent states, and vice-versa (this is equivalent to the principle of subsequent states, and vice-versa (this is equivalent to the principle of causality (Heylighen, 1989)). causality (Heylighen, 1989)).

In particular, distinct entities (particles) remain distinct: there is no way In particular, distinct entities (particles) remain distinct: there is no way for particles to merge, divide, appear or disappear. In other words, in the for particles to merge, divide, appear or disappear. In other words, in the Newtonian world view there is no place for novelty or creation (Prigogine Newtonian world view there is no place for novelty or creation (Prigogine & Stengers, 1984): everything that exists now has existed from the & Stengers, 1984): everything that exists now has existed from the beginning of time and will continue to exist, albeit in a somewhat different beginning of time and will continue to exist, albeit in a somewhat different configuration. configuration.

Knowledge is nothing more than another such distinction-conserving Knowledge is nothing more than another such distinction-conserving mapping from object to subject: scientific discovery is not a creative mapping from object to subject: scientific discovery is not a creative process, it is merely an "uncovering" of distinctions that were waiting to process, it is merely an "uncovering" of distinctions that were waiting to be observed. be observed.

In essence, the philosophy of Newtonian In essence, the philosophy of Newtonian science is one of simplicity: the complexity science is one of simplicity: the complexity of the world is only apparent; to deal with of the world is only apparent; to deal with it you need to analyse phenomena into it you need to analyse phenomena into their simplest components. their simplest components.

Once you have done that, their evolution Once you have done that, their evolution will turn out to be perfectly regular, will turn out to be perfectly regular, reversible and predictable, while the reversible and predictable, while the knowledge you gained will merely be a knowledge you gained will merely be a reflection of that pre-existing order. reflection of that pre-existing order.

Rationality and modernityRationality and modernity

Up to this point, Newtonian logic is Up to this point, Newtonian logic is perfectly consistent--albeit simplistic in perfectly consistent--albeit simplistic in retrospect. But if we moreover want to retrospect. But if we moreover want to include human agency, we come to a include human agency, we come to a basic contradiction between our intuitive basic contradiction between our intuitive notion of free will and the principle of notion of free will and the principle of determinism. determinism.

The only way Newtonian reasoning can The only way Newtonian reasoning can be extended to encompass the idea that be extended to encompass the idea that people can act purposefully is by people can act purposefully is by postulating the independent category of postulating the independent category of mind. mind.

This reasoning led Descartes to propose the This reasoning led Descartes to propose the philosophy of dualism, which assumes that while philosophy of dualism, which assumes that while material objects obey mechanical laws, the mind material objects obey mechanical laws, the mind does not. does not.

However, while we can easily conceive the mind However, while we can easily conceive the mind as a passive receptacle registering observations as a passive receptacle registering observations in order to develop ever more complete in order to develop ever more complete knowledge, we cannot explain how the mind can knowledge, we cannot explain how the mind can freely act upon those systems without freely act upon those systems without contradicting the determinism of natural law. contradicting the determinism of natural law. This explains why classical science ignores all This explains why classical science ignores all issues of ethics or values: there simply is no issues of ethics or values: there simply is no place for purposeful action in the Newtonian place for purposeful action in the Newtonian world view.world view.

At best, economic science has managed to At best, economic science has managed to avoid the problem by postulating the avoid the problem by postulating the principle of rational choice, which assumes principle of rational choice, which assumes that an agent will always choose the option that an agent will always choose the option that maximises its utility. that maximises its utility.

Utility is supposed to be an objective Utility is supposed to be an objective measure of the degree of value, "happiness" measure of the degree of value, "happiness" or "goodness" produced by a state of affairs. or "goodness" produced by a state of affairs. Assuming perfect information about the Assuming perfect information about the utility of the possible options, the actions of utility of the possible options, the actions of mind then become as determined or mind then become as determined or predictable as the movements of matter. predictable as the movements of matter.

This allowed social scientists to describe This allowed social scientists to describe human agency with most of the Newtonian human agency with most of the Newtonian principles intact. Moreover, it led them to a principles intact. Moreover, it led them to a notion of linear progress: the continuous notion of linear progress: the continuous increase in global utility (seen mostly as increase in global utility (seen mostly as quantifiable, material welfare) made possible quantifiable, material welfare) made possible by increases in scientific knowledge. by increases in scientific knowledge.

Although such directed change towards the Although such directed change towards the greater good contradicts the Newtonian greater good contradicts the Newtonian assumption of reversibility, it maintains the assumption of reversibility, it maintains the basic assumptions of determinism, materialism basic assumptions of determinism, materialism and objective knowledge, thus defining what is and objective knowledge, thus defining what is often called the project of modernity. often called the project of modernity.

ReductionismReductionism

Reductionism is seen as the opposite of Reductionism is seen as the opposite of holism. Reductionism in science says that holism. Reductionism in science says that a complex system can be explained by a complex system can be explained by reductionreduction to its fundamental partsto its fundamental parts. .

Essentially, chemistry is reducible to Essentially, chemistry is reducible to physics, biology is reducible to chemistry physics, biology is reducible to chemistry and physics, and psychology and and physics, and psychology and sociology are reducible to biology, etc.sociology are reducible to biology, etc.

Reductionist approachReductionist approach Reductionist approach : Reductionist approach : Isolate the Isolate the

problem, optimize parameters, achieve problem, optimize parameters, achieve a sort of simplicity at the cost of a sort of simplicity at the cost of overall complexityoverall complexity. .

In the modern context, greater the In the modern context, greater the sophistication, more redundant is the sophistication, more redundant is the human being and his/her skill or human being and his/her skill or judgement.judgement.

ReductionistReductionist Approach Approach

Reductionist Science : Rational redefined Reductionist Science : Rational redefined to mean only its own method, excluding all to mean only its own method, excluding all else. else.

One is free (and often encouraged) to One is free (and often encouraged) to reject the statements of religion or art but reject the statements of religion or art but he/she who refuses to accept the basic he/she who refuses to accept the basic scientific worldview runs the risk of being scientific worldview runs the risk of being labelled labelled ignorant, insane, or irrationalignorant, insane, or irrational..

Reductionist Approach of Reductionist Approach of Modern ScienceModern Science

Modern science has a reductionist Modern science has a reductionist approach. It isolates the problem, optimizes approach. It isolates the problem, optimizes parameters, achieves a sort of simplicity at parameters, achieves a sort of simplicity at the cost of overall complexity. the cost of overall complexity.

In the modern context, greater the In the modern context, greater the sophistication, more redundant is the sophistication, more redundant is the human being and his/her skill or judgement. human being and his/her skill or judgement.

Social and Environmental costs are not Social and Environmental costs are not factored while computing efficiency / factored while computing efficiency / productivity.productivity.

Reductionist Approach Reductionist Approach (contd)(contd)

Reductionist Industrial processesReductionist Industrial processes are almost are almost always at variance with always at variance with life processeslife processes and with and with natural events. natural events.

The The fragmented nature of applied knowledgefragmented nature of applied knowledge produces a reaction/response in the concept of produces a reaction/response in the concept of the technological fix. the technological fix.

This is no solution. It is postponement, for one This is no solution. It is postponement, for one becomes involved in an absurd merry-go-round becomes involved in an absurd merry-go-round of of circular production of problemscircular production of problems..

In Built In Built Consequences of Consequences of

Technologies Technologies All technologies have consequences, inevitable All technologies have consequences, inevitable

and built inand built in Norbert Wiener, the mathematician who was the Norbert Wiener, the mathematician who was the

founder of modern cybernetics, has written about founder of modern cybernetics, has written about "technical determinants" dictated by "the very "technical determinants" dictated by "the very nature" of machines, and of the steam engine he nature" of machines, and of the steam engine he noted that it automatically leads to large and ever noted that it automatically leads to large and ever larger scales because it can power so many larger scales because it can power so many separate machines at once, to ever increasing separate machines at once, to ever increasing production because it must pay back its high production because it must pay back its high investment and operating costs, and to investment and operating costs, and to centralization and specialization because factors of centralization and specialization because factors of efficiency and economy supersede those of, say, efficiency and economy supersede those of, say, craftsmanship or esthetic expression. craftsmanship or esthetic expression.

In Built In Built Consequences of Consequences of

Technologies Technologies Norbert WienerNorbert Wiener might have added that might have added that it also necessarily leads to a it also necessarily leads to a

reduction in face-to-face contacts, reduction in face-to-face contacts, social discourse, social discourse,

human autonomy, human autonomy, individual choice, individual choice, personal skillspersonal skills none of which is especially important none of which is especially important

as far as the operation of the as far as the operation of the machine goes.machine goes.

HolismHolism HolismHolism (from (from holosholos, a Greek word meaning , a Greek word meaning

allall, , entireentire, , totaltotal) is the idea that all the ) is the idea that all the properties of a given system (biological, properties of a given system (biological, chemical, social, economic, mental, linguistic, chemical, social, economic, mental, linguistic, etc.) cannot be determined or explained by etc.) cannot be determined or explained by the sum of its component parts alone. Instead, the sum of its component parts alone. Instead, the system as a whole determines in an the system as a whole determines in an important way how the parts behave.important way how the parts behave.

The general principle of holism was concisely The general principle of holism was concisely summarized by Aristotle in the summarized by Aristotle in the MetaphysicsMetaphysics: : ""The whole is more than the sum of its partsThe whole is more than the sum of its parts".".

CRISIS OF MODERN SCIENCE / CRISIS OF MODERN SCIENCE / CIVILIZATIONCIVILIZATION

In the last two decades of the 20In the last two decades of the 20thth century, there has been a century, there has been a

worldwide crisisworldwide crisis in the areas of in the areas of

Health and livelihoodHealth and livelihood

Quality of environmentQuality of environment

Social RelationshipsSocial Relationships

Economy, Technology and PoliticsEconomy, Technology and Politics

CRISIS OF MODERN SCIENCE / CRISIS OF MODERN SCIENCE / CIVILIZATION (contd)CIVILIZATION (contd)

Manifestations of the crisis are Manifestations of the crisis are Acid rainAcid rain HEALTH-CARE CRISISHEALTH-CARE CRISIS

Global WarmingGlobal Warming UNEMPLOYMENTUNEMPLOYMENT

Energy CrisisEnergy Crisis HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL WASTEWASTE

Inflation Inflation NATURAL RESOURCE DEPLETION NATURAL RESOURCE DEPLETION Reduction in diversityReduction in diversity MALDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH MALDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH Psychological Pathologies Psychological Pathologies CRIMECRIME

Are these isolated phenomena or are they Are these isolated phenomena or are they inter-related and interdependent in some inter-related and interdependent in some manner? manner?

CRISIS OF MODERN SCIENCE / CRISIS OF MODERN SCIENCE / CIVILIZATION (contd)CIVILIZATION (contd)

It is pertinent to realize thatIt is pertinent to realize that the the dynamics underlying cancer, crime, dynamics underlying cancer, crime, pollution, nuclear power, energy pollution, nuclear power, energy shortage etc is the same. shortage etc is the same.

The problems listed aboveThe problems listed above areare systemic problems, closely related systemic problems, closely related and interdependent and interdependent andand cannot be cannot be addressed by a reductionist worldview / addressed by a reductionist worldview / narrow perception of reality. narrow perception of reality.

Experts & Urgent Experts & Urgent Problems… ?Problems… ? Four fold threat of energy depletion, Four fold threat of energy depletion,

environmenal degradation, inflation and environmenal degradation, inflation and unemployment is a reality worldwide, not in unemployment is a reality worldwide, not in developing countries alonedeveloping countries alone

Experts in their chosen fields can no longer Experts in their chosen fields can no longer deal with the urgent problems that have arisen deal with the urgent problems that have arisen in their area of expertisein their area of expertise

Economists are unable to understand inflation, Economists are unable to understand inflation, oncologists are quite clueless about the cause oncologists are quite clueless about the cause of cancer, psychiatrists are mystified by of cancer, psychiatrists are mystified by schizophrenia, police are helpless in the face of schizophrenia, police are helpless in the face of rising crime and terrorism, the list is a long rising crime and terrorism, the list is a long one…one…

Linkages between Linkages between phenomenaphenomena

Could there possibly be linkages Could there possibly be linkages between the use of toxic pesticides in between the use of toxic pesticides in agriculture and the increasing agriculture and the increasing incidence of cancer worldwide?incidence of cancer worldwide?

SILENT SPRING SILENT SPRING Rachel Carson, 1962Rachel Carson, 1962

““Considering the accumulated Considering the accumulated knowledge linking chemical and knowledge linking chemical and radioactive contamination of the radioactive contamination of the environment with increasing breast environment with increasing breast cancer rates means we must focus our cancer rates means we must focus our energies and efforts on prevention”.energies and efforts on prevention”.

Early were the eloquent words and pleas Early were the eloquent words and pleas for prevention from Rachel Carson. Her for prevention from Rachel Carson. Her book, book, SilentSilent SpringSpring, originally published , originally published in 1962, while she herself was suffering in 1962, while she herself was suffering from breast cancer, is still a bestseller. from breast cancer, is still a bestseller.

SILENT SPRING (contd)SILENT SPRING (contd)

Ms. Carson documented wholesale Ms. Carson documented wholesale killing of species; animals, birds, fish, killing of species; animals, birds, fish, insects; the destruction of food and insects; the destruction of food and shelter for wild creatures; failure of shelter for wild creatures; failure of reproduction; damage to the nervous reproduction; damage to the nervous system; tumors in wild animals; system; tumors in wild animals; increasing rates of leukemia in children; increasing rates of leukemia in children; and chronicled the pesticides and and chronicled the pesticides and chemicals known at that time to cause chemicals known at that time to cause cancer. cancer. This was over This was over 4040 yearsyears ago! ago!

Linkages between Linkages between Environmental Environmental

Contamination and CancerContamination and CancerOne successor to Ms. Carson has emerged One successor to Ms. Carson has emerged in the person of Sandra Steingraber, an in the person of Sandra Steingraber, an ecologist, poet, and scientist. In her book, ecologist, poet, and scientist. In her book, LivingLiving DownstreamDownstream, she writes eloquently , she writes eloquently of the connections between environmental of the connections between environmental contamination and cancer.contamination and cancer. Dr. Steingraber was diagnosed with Dr. Steingraber was diagnosed with bladder cancer at age 20, a highly unusual bladder cancer at age 20, a highly unusual diagnosis in a woman, a young woman, a diagnosis in a woman, a young woman, a nonsmoker and nondrinker. She pursued nonsmoker and nondrinker. She pursued the question, why? She realized a the question, why? She realized a connection with our wild relations and she connection with our wild relations and she asks:asks:

Linkages between Linkages between Environmental Environmental

Contamination and CancerContamination and Cancer““Tell me, does the St. Lawrence Tell me, does the St. Lawrence beluga drink too much alcohol and beluga drink too much alcohol and does the St. Lawrence beluga smoke does the St. Lawrence beluga smoke too much and does the St. Lawrence too much and does the St. Lawrence beluga have a bad diet . . . is that beluga have a bad diet . . . is that why the beluga whales are ill? . . . Do why the beluga whales are ill? . . . Do you think you are somehow immune you think you are somehow immune and that it is only the beluga whale and that it is only the beluga whale that is being affected?”that is being affected?”Sandra Steingraber, an ecologist, poet, Sandra Steingraber, an ecologist, poet, and scientist in her book, and scientist in her book, LivingLiving DownstreamDownstream

Suicides among Vidarbha Suicides among Vidarbha farmers risingfarmers rising

(Dadham village, (Dadham village, Amravati):Amravati):

Yogesh Pawar, NDTV Yogesh Pawar, NDTV

Caught in a vicious spiral of debt and poverty, farmers Caught in a vicious spiral of debt and poverty, farmers in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra are left with no in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra are left with no option but to commit suicide.option but to commit suicide.

In Maharahstra's cotton belt of Amravathi, Bhikaji In Maharahstra's cotton belt of Amravathi, Bhikaji Nathuji Gotmare's son Deepak, a farmer, killed himself Nathuji Gotmare's son Deepak, a farmer, killed himself two months ago. two months ago.

Deepak like hundreds of farmers in this part of India Deepak like hundreds of farmers in this part of India committed suicide because of crop failure and rising committed suicide because of crop failure and rising debt. The crop failed because of drought last year and debt. The crop failed because of drought last year and floods this year and an attack of a cotton virus.floods this year and an attack of a cotton virus.

Suicides among Vidarbha farmers Suicides among Vidarbha farmers rising rising

(Dadham village, Amravati):(Dadham village, Amravati): Yogesh Pawar, NDTV Yogesh Pawar, NDTV

In 2001, there was one suicide In 2001, there was one suicide every 10 days. By 2004, there every 10 days. By 2004, there was one suicide everyday. This was one suicide everyday. This year the rate of suicides have year the rate of suicides have risen to two everydayrisen to two everyday..

Is there a way out ?Is there a way out ?

Linkages between Linkages between Industrialisation and Industrialisation and

unemployment?unemployment? Could there possibly be linkages between Could there possibly be linkages between increasing mechanization in production increasing mechanization in production methods (IT included) and rising methods (IT included) and rising unemployment ?unemployment ?

Could this be true for both the developed Could this be true for both the developed world and the developing world? world and the developing world?

Is this one of the many reasons why Is this one of the many reasons why France burnt for weeks in the last year ? France burnt for weeks in the last year ?

Linkages between waste Linkages between waste dispoal and health dispoal and health

issues?issues? Could there be linkages between disposal of Could there be linkages between disposal of sewage and other waste in water and the sewage and other waste in water and the explosion in cases of water-borne diseases?explosion in cases of water-borne diseases?

The cheapest method of waste disposal in the The cheapest method of waste disposal in the cities is the nearest water channel / cities is the nearest water channel / waterbody / river. waterbody / river.

The consequences for health are mindboggling.The consequences for health are mindboggling.

Materialistic Materialistic worldviewworldview

Materialism and StrifeMaterialism and StrifeMaterialism and EcologyMaterialism and Ecology Materialism and Materialism and DehumanisationDehumanisation

Man Nature dichotomyMan Nature dichotomyMind-Body DichotomyMind-Body Dichotomy

Materialism and Ecology Materialism and Ecology Nuclear PowerNuclear Power

1960s : “1960s : “Atoms for PeaceAtoms for Peace”” 1970s to 2000 : 1970s to 2000 : Military powersMilitary powers

have competitively stockpiled have competitively stockpiled nuclear warheads, nuclear warheads, Industrial WorldIndustrial World has been busy building equally has been busy building equally dangerous nuclear power plants, dangerous nuclear power plants, 500 nuclear reactors worldwide, 500 nuclear reactors worldwide, hundreds more plannedhundreds more planned

Nuclear Power and Nuclear Nuclear Power and Nuclear Weapons inextricably linkedWeapons inextricably linked

Are these a major threat to our Are these a major threat to our well-being ?well-being ?

Nuclear Power (contd)Nuclear Power (contd) Radioactive elements released are the same Radioactive elements released are the same

as those making up fallout of atomic bombsas those making up fallout of atomic bombs Thousands of tons of these toxic materials Thousands of tons of these toxic materials

discharged into environment by nuclear discharged into environment by nuclear explosions and reactor spillsexplosions and reactor spills

Accumulation in the air we breathe, water Accumulation in the air we breathe, water we drink and food we eatwe drink and food we eat

Risk of developing cancer and genetic Risk of developing cancer and genetic diseases continues to increasediseases continues to increase

Let us discount nuclear risk, what is Let us discount nuclear risk, what is the situation of the global ecosystem?the situation of the global ecosystem?

Major Major EnvironmenEnvironmen

tal tal Problems in Problems in

futurefuture

•Global climate change•Stratospheric ozone depletion•Urban air pollution•Acid deposition•Outdoor pollutants•Indoor pollutants•Noise

•Overgrazing•Farmland loss and degradation•Wetlands loss and degradation•Over fishing•Coastal pollution•Soil erosion•Soil salinization•Water shortages•Groundwater depletion•Loss of biodiversity

•Sediment•Nutrient overload•Toxic chemicals•Infectious agents•Oxygen depletion•Pesticides•Oil spills•Excess heat•Water Scarcity

•Childhood diseases•Cancer•Asthma•Immune system deficiencies•Reproductive system problems•Endocrine system disruptions

*Habitat destruction

*Habitat degradation

*Extinction

•Solid waste•Liquid waste•Hazardous waste

Biodiversity Depletion

Air PollutionFood Supply

Problem

Water Scarcity & pollution

Human Health

Waste Production

Increasing Increasing Natural Natural

Resource Resource DepletionDepletion

Increasing Increasing DeforestationDeforestation

UnsustainabUnsustainablele

DevelopmenDevelopmentt

Last 140 years

Projected change in mean surface temperature (by 2050)

due to Global Warming

Climate Change Impacts – potentials & possibilities

AgricultureCrop YieldsIrrigation Demand

Coastal AreasErosion of BeachesInundation of Coastal WetlandsAdditional Costs to ProtectCoastal Communities

Species and Natural AreasSpecies and Natural AreasLoss of Habitat and SpeciesLoss of Habitat and Species

HealthAir Quality - Respiratory IllnessWeather-related MortalityInfectious and Tropical Diseases

Climate Changes Manifest in

3. Sea Level Rise

1. Temperature Increase

2. Precipitation Patterns and Extremes

ForestsForestsForest CompositionGeographic Range of Forests, Health and Productivity

Water ResourcesWater SupplyWater QualityCompetition for Water

Source: Anne Grambsch, 1998

In 2100 half of the world population will be under water stress

Western and northern Europe: Increase in heavy precipitations and floods; less frequent cold winters

Southern Europe: Less precipitations; increased desertification; forest fires; warm summers more frequent;

Subtropical zones: Less precipitations; increased desertification

Climate change impacts Climate change impacts Third IPCC assessment Third IPCC assessment

reportreport

Tropical zones: Increased health risks

High latitudes: permafrost decrease

Coastal zones: coastal erosion; storm surges; salt water intrusions

• Cost of global warming in 2050: 300 billion Euros/Dollars per year (Munich Re)

Climate change impact Climate change impact Third IPCC assessment Third IPCC assessment

reportreport

BiodiversityBiodiversityBiodiversity has no single standard Biodiversity has no single standard definition. The most straightforward definition. The most straightforward definition is "definition is "variation of life at all levels of variation of life at all levels of biological organisationbiological organisation“ [Kevin]. “ [Kevin].

Another definition holds that biodiversity is Another definition holds that biodiversity is a measure of the relative diversity among a measure of the relative diversity among organisms present in different ecosystems. organisms present in different ecosystems. "Diversity" in this definition includes "Diversity" in this definition includes diversity within a species and among diversity within a species and among species, and comparative diversity among species, and comparative diversity among ecosystems.ecosystems.

Kevin J. Gaston & John I. Spicer. 2004. "Biodiversity: an introduction", Blackwell Kevin J. Gaston & John I. Spicer. 2004. "Biodiversity: an introduction", Blackwell Publishing. 2nd Ed., , Publishing. 2nd Ed., ,

Levels of DiversityLevels of Diversity Traditionally, three levels at which Traditionally, three levels at which

biodiversity has been identified:biodiversity has been identified:

genetic diversitygenetic diversity - diversity of genes within - diversity of genes within a species. Ggenetic variability among a species. Ggenetic variability among populations and individuals of same species populations and individuals of same species species diversityspecies diversity - diversity among species - diversity among species ecosystem diversityecosystem diversity - diversity at a higher - diversity at a higher level of organization, the ecosystem level of organization, the ecosystem (richness in the different processes to (richness in the different processes to which the genes ultimately contribute) which the genes ultimately contribute)

This definition, which conforms to the traditional This definition, which conforms to the traditional five organization layers in biology, provides five organization layers in biology, provides additional justification for multilevel approaches.additional justification for multilevel approaches.

MonoculturesMonoculturesMonocultureMonoculture describes systems that have very describes systems that have very low diversitylow diversity. The term is applied in several . The term is applied in several fields. fields.

In agriculture, "monoculture" describes the In agriculture, "monoculture" describes the practice of practice of relying on a very small number of relying on a very small number of genetic variantsgenetic variants, or cultivars of a food crop for , or cultivars of a food crop for commercial agriculture. commercial agriculture.

Modern agriculture relies on standardization on Modern agriculture relies on standardization on a single cultivar so that the technology for a single cultivar so that the technology for tilling, planting, pest control, and harvesting, tilling, planting, pest control, and harvesting, can be used over large geographical areas to can be used over large geographical areas to obtain an economy of scale.obtain an economy of scale.

Many ecosystems have been frayed Many ecosystems have been frayed to the point where they are no to the point where they are no

longer resilient and able to longer resilient and able to withstand natural disturbances, withstand natural disturbances, setting the stage for ‘unnatural setting the stage for ‘unnatural disasters’, - those made more disasters’, - those made more

frequent or more severe due to frequent or more severe due to human actions. By destroying human actions. By destroying

forests, damming rivers, filling in forests, damming rivers, filling in wetlands, and destabilising the wetlands, and destabilising the climate, we are unravelling the climate, we are unravelling the complex strands of a complex complex strands of a complex

ecological safety net.ecological safety net.

Janet Abramovitz, Worldwatch Institute Janet Abramovitz, Worldwatch Institute (2001)(2001)

Living Planet Report (WWF, Living Planet Report (WWF, 2007)2007)

Environmental group WWF has warned Environmental group WWF has warned that current global consumption levels that current global consumption levels could result in a large-scale ecosystem could result in a large-scale ecosystem collapse by the middle of the centurycollapse by the middle of the century

The group's biannual Living Planet The group's biannual Living Planet Report said the natural world was Report said the natural world was being degraded "at a rate being degraded "at a rate unprecedented in human history". unprecedented in human history".

Terrestrial species had declined by Terrestrial species had declined by 31% between 1970-2003, the findings 31% between 1970-2003, the findings showed. showed.

It warned that if demand continued at It warned that if demand continued at the current rate, two planets would be the current rate, two planets would be needed to meet global demand by 2050. needed to meet global demand by 2050.

The biodiversity loss was a result of The biodiversity loss was a result of resources being consumed faster than resources being consumed faster than the planet could replace them, the the planet could replace them, the authors said. authors said.

They added that if the world's They added that if the world's population shared the UK's lifestyle, population shared the UK's lifestyle, three planets would be needed to three planets would be needed to support their needs.support their needs.

Living Planet Index - assesses the Living Planet Index - assesses the health of the planet's ecosystems health of the planet's ecosystems ttracked the population of 1,313 racked the population of 1,313 vertebrate species of fish, amphibians, vertebrate species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals from reptiles, birds and mammals from around the world. around the world.

It found that these species had declined It found that these species had declined by about 30% since 1970, suggesting by about 30% since 1970, suggesting that natural ecosystems were being that natural ecosystems were being degraded at an unprecedented rate. degraded at an unprecedented rate.

Ecological Footprint - measures human Ecological Footprint - measures human demand on the natural worlddemand on the natural world -the global -the global footprint exceeded the earth's biocapacity by footprint exceeded the earth's biocapacity by 25% in 2003, which meant that the Earth 25% in 2003, which meant that the Earth could no longer keep up with the demands could no longer keep up with the demands being placed upon it.being placed upon it.

The report outlined five scenarios based on The report outlined five scenarios based on the data from the two indicators, ranging from the data from the two indicators, ranging from "business as usual" to "transition to a "business as usual" to "transition to a sustainable society". sustainable society".

Under the "business as usual" scenario, the Under the "business as usual" scenario, the authors projected that to meet the demand for authors projected that to meet the demand for resources in 2050 would be twice as much as resources in 2050 would be twice as much as what the Earth could provide. what the Earth could provide.

They warned: "At this level of ecological They warned: "At this level of ecological deficit, exhaustion of ecological assets deficit, exhaustion of ecological assets and large-scale ecosystem collapse and large-scale ecosystem collapse become increasingly likely." become increasingly likely."

To deliver a shift towards a "sustainable To deliver a shift towards a "sustainable society" scenario would require society" scenario would require "significant action now" on issues such as "significant action now" on issues such as energy generation, transport and housing. energy generation, transport and housing.

The latest Living Planet Report is the The latest Living Planet Report is the sixth in a series of publications which sixth in a series of publications which began in 1998. began in 1998.

The Paradox of our AgeThe Paradox of our AgeHH The Dalai LamaHH The Dalai Lama

We have We have bigger bigger houses, but houses, but smallersmaller familiesfamilies

MoreMore conveniences, but conveniences, but lessless time time

We have We have moremore degrees, but degrees, but lessless sense;sense;

MoreMore knowledge but knowledge but lessless judgements; judgements;

MoreMore experts, but experts, but moremore problems; problems;

MoreMore medicines, but medicines, but lessless healthiness. healthiness.

We have been all the way to the We have been all the way to the moonmoon and back, and back,But have trouble crossing the street to meet the But have trouble crossing the street to meet the

new new neighbourneighbour

We build We build more computersmore computers to hold more to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, information, to produce more copies than ever,

but have but have less communicationless communication

We have become We have become longlong on quantity, on quantity, but but shortshort on quality on quality

These are times of These are times of fast fast foods, but foods, but slowslow digestion;digestion;

TallTall men, but men, but shortshort character; character;SteepSteep profits, but profits, but shallowshallow relationships. relationships.

It is a time It is a time When there is much in the When there is much in the windowwindow,,

But nothing in the But nothing in the roomroom..