From whatever perspective we choose this fact is clear “there is a threat to life as we know it”, and this threat is being constantly amplified by the actions of man. The actions of modern technological man have helped bring this threat very close to becoming real for us on this planet Earth. In a fundamental sense, life can exist only in low entropy “islands” within the isothermal energy system that is the universe. Descriptions of these phenomena can extend from gas clouds, to nebulae, to stellar and planetary systems. Information allows for more detailed descriptions of greater complexity, be it of physical or biological systems, all being organized and sustained by the differential flows of energy possible in such “islands”. [continue]
Recently in philosophy Category
The Global Financial Crisis has replaced Global Warming as the world media’s number one preoccupation. But most pundits and commentators have yet to realize that the Global Financial Crisis is another symptom of Global Warming, just like melting polar icecaps. Contrary to many pundits’ opinions, the crisis was not brought on by the Market’s failure to regulate the economy. The Market is wiser than the pundits. The crisis is a result of the Market regulating the economy. The Market realized that in the future, free market forces will have to account for damage to the environment as a real cost of business. Wisely, The Market devalued assets, with a bias against companies most inimical to the environment. [continue]
The primary focus in green programs is on correcting the physical contributors to global heating (warming is now an unacceptable euphemism!), pollution and squandering of resources. The prevalent planning addresses better resource management and reducing carbon outputs. The human factors that lie behind these problems are often not addressed directly. This is like dealing with road safety by focusing only on the mechanics of automobile design, highway construction and driving regulations, while ignoring ‘the nut behind the wheel’ and failing to invest in driver training and safety awareness. And time is running out. [continue]
Our mortality is the thing we understand from the time we become aware. We will all die. This is our underlying strength and overriding weakness. Man’s design flaw was built in. You and I cannot be sustained forever. Is this why we have designed all other things to follow the same principle? Designed for Demise. Take care of today, tomorrow will look after itself. If we accept this, maybe the concept of sustainability, of an infinite future, could not have been built into our endeavours, as we planned that future with our demise as the inevitable outcome. [continue]
Imagine a hospital bed. You’re lying on it, dying. A machine’s high-pitched alarm squeals somewhere in the background. Your heart has stopped; strangers bark commands as they work on your body. These sounds are fading. This is your last second here in this life. What moment will you spend your final thought on, what activity will you miss with all your heart? Reading a story to your child nestled in your lap? A lazy Sunday afternoon joking with friends? Falling asleep in the arms of your true love? [continue]