On the New Era of the Post-postmodern
Or On the Desperate Need for Synthesis in Thought
A decade has passed since the postmodern was brought to a close in January 1994, with the emergence of new styles for “free trade” organizations and agreements. The global power structure had become essentially unipolar. Though much work and thought have been done in that time, I believe that the US election of 2004, in light of the Bush administration’s ideology, has heightened the need for new ways of thinking, and thus, new ways of action. This holds especially true amongst those of us who oppose the neo-con global model.
I propose that there are certain fundamental assumptions that are needed in this new thought. First, as the physical sciences have shown, the universe is a closed system. Applied to the more confined scope of this new search of collective synthesis and understanding, it can be assumed that the earth, for all intents and purposes, is a closed system. Further, it must be accepted that humans are in fact animals; and are therefore, subject to similar environmental pressures, and the limits of a finite lifespan. Finally, it can be assumed that, as a species, our culture has allowed for our survival and evolution.
In the science of the human social system, study has been focused in three primary fields, those of Anthropology, Political Science, and Economics--anthropology should be thought of as the study of the species itself, including everything from cognitive science to archeology. Each field has revealed great quantities of information, however, I suggest that understanding has remained limited. Should we wish to obtain true understanding of the human system in total, we need true fusion of thought within these fields, as well as the addition of the earth sciences. Specifically, geography, geology, and ecology are needed to develop a complete model of the human system and its place in the larger earth system. In addition to these sciences, I believe that ethics and other philosophic thought are needed to provide focus for this totalistic study of humans.
With beneficial competition and communication amongst thinkers, collective understanding is possible. Furthermore, this understanding may lead to innovative conceptions of balance and new methods to reach it.
1 comment:
"With beneficial competition and communication amongst thinkers, collective understanding is possible." This is integral. To talk, to debate, to read, to put forth your views and listen to those of others. Social capital has never been more important. As far as Canada goes, I have never been more proud of my country and I have never felt more the urge to work to make it better, because we have a slew of problems and inadequacies that need smoothing out. The reason I am so focussed on American politics, especially the election of late, is that Canada, being a small nation, is almost entirely dependent on America. Whatever happens in America affects Canada as well. Whatever affects the brother, affects the sister. This is the cause of my anguish.
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