Global brain singularity : universal history, future evolution and humanity's dialectical horizon / Cadell Last.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Last, Cadell, author.

Contributor:

George Clapp Vaillant Book Fund.

Series:

World-systems evolution and global futures

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Human evolution--Philosophy.

Human evolution.

Evolution (Biology)--Philosophy.

Evolution (Biology).

Geobiology--Philosophy.

Geobiology.

Globalization.

Evolutionary economics.

Philosophy, Modern.

Physical anthropology.

World history.

World politics.

Physical Description:

xxvii, 324 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 25 cm.

Place of Publication:

Cham, Switzerland : Springer Nature Switzerland AG, [2020]

Summary:

This book introduces readers to global brain singularity through a logical meditation on the temporal dynamics of the universal process. Global brain singularity is conceived of as a future metasystem of human civilization that represents a qualitatively higher coherence of order. To better understand the potential of this phenomenon, the book begins with an overview of universal history. The focus then shifts to the structure of human systems, and the notion that contemporary global civilization must mediate the emergence of a commons that will transform the future of politics, economics and psychosocial life in general. In this context the book presents our species as biocultural evolutionary agents attempting to create a novel and independent domain of technocultural evolution that affords us new levels of freedom. Lastly, the book underscores the internal depths of the present moment, structured by a division between subject and object. The nature of the interaction between subject and object would appear to govern the mechanics of a spiritual process that is key to understanding the meaning of singularity inclusive of observers. Given its scope, the book will appeal to readers interested in systems approaches to the emerging world society, especially historians, philosophers and social scientists. "This book is an impressive piece of scholarship, integrating results from disciplines as diverse as history, cosmology, philosophy and economics in order to understand the changes in our present information society. These changes are so drastic that they point to a singularity, i.e. a discontinuous transition to a wholly different regime. The author lucidly reviews the main scenarios for this "singular" future that have been proposed by contemporary academics, pointing out their strengths and weaknesses." Dr. Francis Heylighen, Cyberneticist and pioneer of the Global Brain concept.

Contents:

Introduction

PART I: Contextualizing Our Present

Historical Foundations for Future Speculations

History of the future

PART II: Challenges of a Global Metasystem

Human Metasystem Transitions

Control Dynamics of Human Metasystems

Global Brain and the Future of Human Society

Global Commons in the Global Brain

PART II: Signs of a New Evolution

Biocultural Theory of Human Reproduction

Atechnogenesis and Technocultural Evolution

Deep Future, Evolutionary Developmental Pathways

PART IV: Field of 21st Century Knowledge

Non-Monist Framework for the Emergence and Reconciliation of Subject-Object Division

Symbolic Orders and Structure of Universal Internalization

A Reflective Note for Dialectical Thinkers

Dialectical Approach to Singularity

Conclusion: Universal history, deep future, eternal present.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the George Clapp Vaillant Book Fund.

ISBN:

9783030469658

3030469654

OCLC:

1148875010

Publisher Number:

99987164796