the root disease for climate change and political corruption is capitalism and all of the contradictions associated with it. Overpopulation is a reactionary myth more than anything that tries to blame resource depletion on average people starting families; but I think it's really just large corporations who are backed by the state who engage in propaganda campaigns convincing Western countries their way of life is sustainable forever when its not — Albero
In my opinion, the root disease for climate change and political corruption is capitalism and all of the contradictions associated with it. — Albero
As to whether to address symptoms first or the disease itself, the answer is both! Simply because symptoms can themselves be a problem and severe enough become the problem. — tim wood
Capitalism has already been mentioned, and this should be obvious (identifying the problem is a lot easier than solving it). — _db
In addition to this, or maybe beyond this, there is the expansion of technique into every domain of human life. Technique is, after all, what engendered capitalism in the first place (though it is an imperfect technique for the demands of efficiency, since the pursuit of profit is not always compatible with the pursuit of efficiency). When humans become totally dependent on (helpless without) technology and techniques, there will be no real freedom, and therefore no real happiness, and ultimately no need for humans at all. — _db
People don't want to give up power, or perceived status in society, even if it would make the world a better place. As long as we care more about status than the people around us, we will keep making the same primitive mistakes that lead to many of the world's preventable ills. — Philosophim
But my point is that we can't get very far if we don't identify the root of the problem, if for no other reason than to prioritize attacking it. — Xtrix
I'm not sure what you mean by "technique" here. Technology? — Xtrix
Technique is the totality of methods rationally arrived at and having absolute efficiency [...] in every field of human activity. — Ellul
By technique, [Ellul] means far more than machine technology. Technique refers to any complex of standardized means for attaining a predetermined result. — Merton
But I see technology as dependent on how it's used, and that depends on human beings in power, who make decisions based on beliefs and values.
I think another way to look at it is simply this: greed. — Xtrix
But my point is that we can't get very far if we don't identify the root of the problem, if for no other reason than to prioritize attacking it.
— Xtrix
But it's already been identified, more times than can be counted. At this point it's just shuffling papers around, a temporary catharsis. — _db
I'm not sure what you mean by "technique" here. Technology?
— Xtrix
Technique is the totality of methods rationally arrived at and having absolute efficiency [...] in every field of human activity. — _db
I am skeptical that sociological problems can be fully explained by the behavioral habits of the elite. I would argue that even the elite feel the coercive pull of technique. It is technique that is the puppet master. — _db
lack of inner awareness. — Bret Bernhoft
From where I'm sitting, the most important "problem" facing humanity is a lack of inner awareness. — Bret Bernhoft
most important problem facing humanity — Xtrix
So rather than have another poll, I'd like to pose the question again but keeping in mind what I've said above -- that is, if these problems are mere symptoms, than what is the root disease? — Xtrix
From where I'm sitting, the most important "problem" facing humanity is a lack of inner awareness. — Bret Bernhoft
what is the root disease? — Xtrix
Get involved in philosophical discussions about knowledge, truth, language, consciousness, science, politics, religion, logic and mathematics, art, history, and lots more. No ads, no clutter, and very little agreement — just fascinating conversations.