The double look on complex dimension
Abstract: The successes of human organization and its science have led us to a paradoxical powerlessness in the face of the climatic and geopolitical catastrophe that is looming. In this philosophical pamphlet, I explain the paradox by the absence of coordination between ontological science and teleological desires, the first homogeneous and the second heterogeneous. Powerlessness … Read more
“What would I have done in their place?” Sven Ortoli wonders as he walks the streets of Pompeii. Flee or stay as Vesuvius begins to agitate? The locals have never experienced or heard of an eruption. No scientific model. What to decide from scratch? Finding the right start Unfortunately, Sven does not know the UniPhiM1the … Read more
What is Nature? Two ways of seeing Nature: its own and ours. Among militant ecologists this way is an anthropomorphic idealism rather than Nature per se. Gaia is as much “Mother Nature” as the God with the big white beard sitting on His cloud is “Father of All Men”. And not so much women, by … Read more
The notion of the Anthropocene is at the heart of a brief by Pour la Science. What is its use? Has the Earth really changed era or is it an intellectual masturbation of the newest mosquitoes that inhabit it? The file contains 3 articles, 1 exciting framed by 2 fades. Canned land at the Academy … Read more
Human psycho, a psychotic super-organism Question answered by Sébastien Bohler, neurobiologist, interviewed by Science&Vie and in his book ‘Human psycho‘. He sees humanity as a superorganism sick of its oversized ego. Psychosis that must be treated by stopping the delusional discourses on human superiority, and find a realistic vision of the disastrous role played by … Read more
Gaia’s Ups and Downs The Gaia hypothesis, Earth as a living organism, dates back to the 70s (proposed by chemist James Lovelock and microbiologist Lynn Margulis). Initially treated as New Age delirium, Gaia eventually found scientific credit, as a vast system of interconnected lives. The natural sciences today are deeply imbued with this concept. But … Read more
A philosophical revival that founded the technological boom The Age of Enlightenment is synonymous with philosophical renewal. The eighteenth century saw the rise of rationalism and liberalism against religious obscurantism and noble conservatism. The Enlightenment is the one that great minds project on the world and the human condition. Humanity is getting rid of metaphysical … Read more
A highly sensitive concept While our fundamental concepts are constantly advancing, for the most part, that of suffering is in a kind of sacred tabernacle. It is extracted only to contemplate it with fear and immediately place it back in the same place. Its meaning is so repulsive that the phobia extends to the container … Read more
The flaws of an anarchist ecology What about the ecologist galaxy? It has its scientists, its spokesmen, its parties, its extremists. No governance. Undoubtedly its major handicap in the face of highly structured mega-industries. Lack of direction that leaves opponents’ lines in the running. Some, radical, cause great harm to the movement. Serene anarchism in … Read more
Accurate data but a suspicious interpretation Is population growth one of the time bombs that threaten the planet? No, says Marie Degrémont in La Recherche. “The states with the highest fertility are also those with the lowest per capita CO2 emission rate.” But I have a hard time finding coherence in Mary’s projections. India and … Read more