The Tragedy of the Commons: The population problem has no technical solution; it requires a fundamental extension in morality.
Abstract
The population problem has no technical solution; it requires a fundamental extension in morality.
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Volume 162 | Issue 3859
13 December 1968
13 December 1968
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© 1968.
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Published in print: 13 December 1968
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RE: Education can counteract the natural tendency to do the wrong thing, but the inexorable succession of generations requires that the basis for this knowledge be constantly refreshed.
The microscope we use for discussions of this nature can be labelled, "First World", or maybe, geographically, "North Atlantea".
The refreshment of knowledge of this sort has traditionally be led by the religious. But in the third millennium Religion has relegated itself to the background: at least as an operator of significance.
We can look at this theme of Continual Development as a form of uncontrolled appetite: greed, if you like. What repository of teachable sentimentaltity can be maintained in this climate?
What we might be pleased to label the Apex Societies have, to all intents, run out of road. The article reflects this and demonstrates the operational mechanisms.
Are there societies who function on an alternative basis? If there were, they would be found somewhat apart from the mainstream.
For some time we've been encouraged, educated, habituated to the paradigm of the Commons. Maybe it's too late to fix.
Thanks. Tremendous article, late to my view.
RE: coercion in reproduction
Wow, dangerous stuff in the 2016 eletter. Would MWS consider not trying to suppress the free exchange of ideas?
RE: coercion in reproduction
Wow, dangerous stuff, this article. Would SCIENCE mag consider removing this from its website?