Realism and the future of civilisation

[UndercoverElephant]

I asked Chatgpt to help explain. I gave it the first two sentences of an essay, and asked it to write the rest. Here's the whole essay:

The biggest lie of our postmodern time is that there is no such thing as objective truth or reality, or that humans could never grasp such a thing even if it does exist. The second biggest lie is that a physical cosmos is the only thing that exists. These two intertwined deceptions undermine not only the philosophical foundations of knowledge and existence but also the spiritual dimensions that have guided humanity for millennia.

The denial of objective truth and reality is a hallmark of postmodern thought, which often emphasizes the relativity of truth, subjective perspectives, and the deconstruction of grand narratives. This perspective argues that all truths are socially constructed and thus equally valid, regardless of their grounding in evidence or logic. While this approach seeks to democratize knowledge and empower marginalized voices, it also risks eroding the very concept of truth itself. When every viewpoint is equally valid, the distinction between fact and fiction blurs, leading to a fragmented and often incoherent understanding of the world.

In this intellectual milieu, the pursuit of objective knowledge becomes a Sisyphean task. Scientists, historians, and philosophers striving to uncover and understand universal truths find their efforts dismissed as merely one narrative among many. This skepticism towards objective reality can foster a culture of cynicism and disengagement, where the search for meaning and coherence is replaced by a passive acceptance of chaos and relativism. Yet, objective truth and reality are not only attainable but essential for human progress. The scientific method, grounded in empirical evidence and reproducibility, has consistently expanded our understanding of the universe, leading to technological advancements and improved quality of life. Similarly, historical research, rooted in primary sources and critical analysis, helps us learn from the past and shape a better future.

Parallel to this relativistic worldview is the belief that the physical cosmos is the only thing that exists. This materialistic perspective, often associated with scientism, reduces all phenomena to physical processes and dismisses any notion of the metaphysical or spiritual. In doing so, it neglects the richness of human experience that transcends the material realm. Love, beauty, morality, and consciousness are aspects of existence that cannot be fully explained through physical science alone. They point to a dimension of reality that is deeper and more complex than mere atoms and molecules.

The denial of the metaphysical also strips life of its deeper meaning and purpose. For centuries, spiritual and religious traditions have provided a framework for understanding our place in the cosmos, offering narratives of creation, destiny, and morality. These narratives have not only shaped cultures but have also guided individuals in their search for purpose and fulfillment. By dismissing the spiritual dimension, we risk reducing human existence to a series of random events in an indifferent universe, leading to existential despair and a loss of direction.

Moreover, the interconnectedness of the physical and metaphysical realms suggests that a comprehensive understanding of reality must incorporate both dimensions. Quantum physics, for example, reveals a universe that is far more mysterious and interconnected than classical physics ever imagined, hinting at realities beyond our sensory perception. Likewise, mystical experiences reported across cultures and epochs suggest that humans have an innate capacity to connect with a transcendent reality.

In conclusion, the postmodern denial of objective truth and reality, coupled with the materialistic dismissal of the metaphysical, constitutes a profound misunderstanding of the nature of existence. Embracing the pursuit of objective knowledge and recognizing the importance of the spiritual dimension can lead to a more coherent and meaningful understanding of the world. It is through the integration of both the physical and metaphysical that we can hope to grasp the full spectrum of reality and fulfill our potential as conscious beings in a vast and wondrous universe.

[UndercoverElephant]

I then asked it what all this has to do with ecocivilisation. I gave it the title of a book, and asked it for the subtitle and back cover blurb:

Title: The Real Paths to Ecocivilisation

Subtitle: From Collapse to Coherence: Uniting Science, Spirit, and Sustainability

Back Cover Blurb:

In an age where the truth is often obscured and the material world is seen as the only reality, humanity stands at a crossroads. Our civilization, driven by relentless consumption and disconnection from nature, faces unprecedented challenges: climate change, ecological degradation, and social inequality. Yet, within this crisis lies an opportunity for profound transformation.

The Real Paths to Ecocivilisation delves into the critical need to move beyond the dual lies of postmodern relativism and materialism. This book argues for a paradigm shift that embraces objective truths about our planet's ecological limits while rediscovering the spiritual and ethical dimensions that can guide us towards a sustainable and fulfilling future.

Combining rigorous scientific analysis with deep ecological insights and spiritual wisdom, The Real Paths to Ecocivilisation offers a comprehensive framework for building a resilient and harmonious world. From sustainable economic practices and holistic education to community empowerment and ecological consciousness, this book outlines actionable steps to transition from our current trajectory of collapse to a future of coherence and balance.

Join the journey to redefine progress, reconnect with the Earth, and co-create an eco-civilization where all life can thrive. This book is a call to awaken our collective potential, harness the power of truth, and chart a new course for humanity and the planet we call home.

Chatgpt has created this from two sentences and one book title. It is pretty close to exactly what I wanted, and the scary thing is that there's no reason why it could not actually write the damned book. It would need fixing, of course, but it could do 90% of the work, presumably in about 5 minutes.

[clv101]

I'm no philosopher, but I am reminded of Harai's book Sapiens. He talks of a cognitive revolution where humans started to believe in fictions, could imagine things, tell stories etc, and the rest is history. Everything around us is a fiction, laws, companies and all the rest.

Were we all 'realists' before this revolution, and in fact, the very essence of humans is that we *aren't* realists, like a dog is.

[UndercoverElephant]

A couple more prompts gets me the whole structure. Would you buy this book? (Not that I am sure I am capable of writing it, but maybe I don't have to!!!)

Introduction

The Crossroads of Civilization: Understanding Our Current Crisis
The Two Lies: Postmodern Relativism and Materialism
The Vision of Ecocivilisation: Integrating Science, Spirit, and Sustainability
Embracing Collapse: The Caterpillar and the Butterfly

Part I: Diagnosing the Crisis

1. The Myth of Objective Truth Denial
The Postmodern Condition: Relativism and Its Discontents
The Erosion of Trust: Science, Facts, and Misinformation
The Importance of Objective Truth in Addressing Global Challenges

2. Materialism and Its Consequences
The Rise of Materialism: Historical Perspectives
Consumer Culture and Environmental Degradation
Beyond the Physical: Recognizing the Spiritual and Ethical Dimensions

3. The Inevitability of Collapse
Signs of Collapse: Environmental, Social, and Economic Indicators
Historical Precedents: Civilizations That Have Fallen
The Unsustainable Nature of Our Current System

Part II: The Collapse and Transformation

4. Embracing the Collapse
Understanding Collapse: A Natural Part of Cycles
Psychological and Social Responses to Collapse
Finding Hope and Opportunity in Crisis

5. The Metamorphosis Metaphor
The Caterpillar and the Butterfly: Nature’s Lesson in Transformation
Breaking Down to Rebuild: Lessons from Ecology and History
How Bad Do Things Have to Get? Thresholds for Change

Part III: The Foundations of Ecocivilisation

6. Ecological Economics
Redefining Growth: From GDP to Well-Being
Valuing Natural Capital: Ecosystem Services and True Cost Accounting
Sustainable Business Practices and Circular Economies

7. Deep Ecology
The Intrinsic Value of Nature: Philosophical Underpinnings
Biocentrism vs. Anthropocentrism: Shifting Perspectives
Practical Applications of Deep Ecology

8. Systems Thinking
Understanding Complex Systems: Ecology, Society, and Economy
Leverage Points for Change: Identifying and Acting on Key Areas
Designing Resilient and Adaptive Systems

9. Spiritual Awakening
The Role of Spirituality in Ecocivilisation
Practices for Reconnecting with Nature: Meditation, Rituals, and Mindfulness
Integrating Spiritual Wisdom into Everyday Life and Policy

Part IV: Pathways to Ecocivilisation

10. Sustainable Practices
Renewable Energy Transition: Technologies and Policies
Sustainable Agriculture: Permaculture, Agroecology, and Regenerative Farming
Conservation and Biodiversity: Protecting the Web of Life

11. Holistic Education
Educating for Sustainability: Curricula and Pedagogies
Fostering Ecological Literacy and Systems Thinking
The Role of Community and Informal Education

12. Community and Cooperation
Building Resilient Local Economies: Case Studies and Strategies
Social Justice and Equity: Ensuring Fair Distribution of Resources
Cooperative Models: From Co-Housing to Worker Cooperatives

13. Policy and Governance
Creating Enabling Environments: Policy Frameworks for Sustainability
Participatory Governance: Involving Citizens in Decision-Making
International Cooperation: Global Solutions for Global Problems

Conclusion
The Journey Ahead: From Vision to Reality
Individual and Collective Action: What You Can Do
A Call to Unity: Building the Ecocivilisation Together

Epilogue
Reflections on the Path Forward
The Promise of Ecocivilisation: A New Dawn for Humanity and Earth

Appendices
Additional Resources: Books, Articles, and Organizations
Glossary of Key Terms and Concepts
Notes and References

[UndercoverElephant]

I'm no philosopher, but I am reminded of Harai's book Sapiens. He talks of a cognitive revolution where humans started to believe in fictions, could imagine things, tell stories etc, and the rest is history. Everything around us is a fiction, laws, companies and all the rest.

Were we all 'realists' before this revolution, and in fact, the very essence of humans is that we *aren't* realists, like a dog is.

I hated that book. Yes it covers similar ground, but Harai is a materialist/naturalist, so from my perspective he's made a foundational mistake which then resonates throughout the whole book. It's still interesting, partly because he's an Israeli, which makes him iconoclastic in a very unexpected way, but in the end his is an interpretation involves an inadequate understanding of metaphysics and spirituality. He's a historian, and not enough of a philosopher for his chosen topic. My perspective anyway.

[UndercoverElephant]

I'm no philosopher, but I am reminded of Harai's book Sapiens. He talks of a cognitive revolution where humans started to believe in fictions, could imagine things, tell stories etc, and the rest is history. Everything around us is a fiction, laws, companies and all the rest.

Were we all 'realists' before this revolution, and in fact, the very essence of humans is that we *aren't* realists, like a dog is.

This comment deserved a better answer. The cognitive revolution you refer to obviously did happen, a long time ago. Human speech obviously developed for far more practical purposes, but once we had learned how to talk about the world then it is inevitable that we also had to invent stories to explain where the world came from, and humanity's place and destiny. I am not sure that made us non-realists though. "Primitive religion" was always animistic. It didn't envisage a spirit world that is distinct from our own world, but saw the world and the things in it as spiritual in themselves. The separation came later, especially with the invention of monotheism. It reached a peak with Medieval Christianity, where people came to see the real world as illusory and aspired to seal themselves off from it so they could live in the "reality" of the higher world of Christian metaphysics. Hence living on the tops of poles or being bricked up in alcoves for decades at a time, or trying to survive without eating any food.