Chapter 13 of Question Everything: Now What? confronts readers with critical and difficult questions that challenge humanity's trajectory and the individual's role in an increasingly complex world. The essays "We're Doomed: Now What?" by Roy Scranton, "Are We the Cows of the Future?" by Esther Leslie, and "The Courage to be Alone" by Megan Craig offer extensive analysis of society and the individual role in it; displaying unique perspectives and solutions to crises that face all of humanity.
In this post, I will analyze the central themes that unify these essays, summarizing each of the author's viewpoints and addressing potential criticisms that test each argument's stability and applicability to the threats that engulf modern society.
"We're Doomed: Now What?" by Roy Scranton
Scranton's essay tackles the climate crisis as he argues that the global warming humanity faces evolved from a physical challenge to an existential one. The optimistic narratives that suggest technology and politics alone can save us, in his view, harm society on a grand scale due to the lack of emphasis on the inevitability of the planet's degradation. With people being unwilling to accept the tragedies that may occur, society fails to prepare itself philosophically, ethically, and emotionally for the events to come ahead, as the unrealistic and hopeful view that is adapted obstructs the development of a rational outlook. This philosophical shift invites immediate survival strategies and allows one to consider their role as a steward of knowledge and the meaning to all life collectively. The essay challenges readers to adopt a view that Scranton names the "Deep Time Perspective," which acknowledges humanity as a brief chapter in Earth's vast history. Through this view, societies' tendency to value anthropogenic prosperity over the long-term benefit of collective life becomes immoral, with humanity failing to understand the value and weight of their existence.
Scranton's view on the inevitability of our destruction isn't baseless, as organizations such as NASA have expressed similar takes on the issue, suggesting that some aspects of climate change are truly irreversible. I agree with Scranton on many of his points, as it is impossible to refute the benefit of humanity holding a realistic awareness of its status; however, in my view, abandoning the concept of hope is almost never beneficial. Scranton's suggestions parallel many of the ideals held in stoicism and directly align with the utilitarian philosophy that philosophers such as Peter Singer held (LHP, 239). The concept of accepting tragedy as it comes with the willingness to embrace any circumstance is one that stoics suggest is most beneficial to moving through crisis and is an ideology that Scranton strongly pushes in his essay. Along with this, Scranton suggests the unwarranted philosophical acceptance of speciesism, suggesting its prevalence as a key reason for the ecological damage committed in modern society. I personally slightly disagree with Scranton's utilitarian mindset when it comes to anthropomorphic dominance on the planet, as although I do believe it is important to take all life into consideration when making decisions, I do not believe it to be unethical to value human beings over all other life forms, as human lives have more innate value than any other creature in my perspective.
"Are We the Cows of the Future?" - Esther Leslie
In a provocative exploration of biotechnology, Esther Leslie compares humanity to cows, as the worth of individuals has been diminished by elite groups to that of cattle in modern times. The essay critiques the commodification of life, noting the ethical dilemmas posed by surveillance capitalism, genetic engineering, and artificial intelligence. Leslie's presentation of the dystopian future that humanity awaits paints a picture of human life shaped by algorithms and corporate interests, where free will is almost entirely non-existent. The essay discusses the concept of profit thriving off innovations in society, which often causes ethical considerations to take a backseat to the immediate gain of an individual. Leslie argues that individuals should question the frameworks that govern our society to ensure that we have not created a system that will eradicate humanity's greatest unique attributes.
I agree with Leslie on many of her larger themes; however, I struggle to believe our society will become as dystopian as she suggests. In many ways, the enrichment of our society and the development of our technologies have benefited the overall well-being of mankind and, if further developed, could bring about prosperity to a greater multitude of people. The pros of technological development must be considered alongside its limitations to ensure its proper use and benefit are maintained worldwide.
"The Courage to Be Alone" - Megan Craig
Craig's essay offers a refreshing perspective on solitude, reframing it as a positive and worthwhile state in contrast to society's perception, which views it as a negative state that brings about distressing emotions. She argues that in a hyper-connected world, the ability to embrace solitude is an act of courage, fostering introspection and resistance to societal pressures. Craig draws directly from individuals such as Henry David Thoreau and Soren Kierkegaard, who express the idea of being alone to cultivate creativity, clarity, and self-awareness.
I agree and disagree with Craig on many of her points in the essay, as being alone can benefit many in society while also being devastating to others. Many individuals suffer from immense loneliness that predominates negative mental health in an incredibly judgemental society. Experiencing greater amounts of loneliness can be devastating to individuals who do not experience much while also being beneficial to those who treat other people's validation as an irresistible drug.
Now What?
Ultimately, each of these essays holds a unified theme of dealing with unavoidable tragedy from different perspectives. Scranton's essay expresses the crises that humanity collectively faces on a planetary scale, Leslie offers insight on the crises of societal development, and Craig offers insight into the crisis one will find within oneself, allowing each author to offer solutions to each of these crises as they apply to everyday life. Through navigating the problems of progress, uncertainty, and courage, the essay authors give insight into the status of society as a whole and offer unique perspectives that each contribute to the prosperity of society, as the essay explains how one can prepare oneself philosophically, ethically, and emotionally for the challenges ahead of us all.
Discussion Questions:
- Is it better to prioritize the immediate benefit of mankind or all collective life?
- Should society continue to progress in technologies that could replace the need for human attributions?
- Is being alone beneficial in a society where isolation and loneliness are more prevalent than ever in modern history?
"Is it better to prioritize the immediate benefit of mankind or all collective life?" Why not both?
ReplyDelete"Should society continue to progress in technologies that could replace the need for human attributions?" No, not "replace"... complement or supplement would be okay though, right?
"Is being alone beneficial in a society where isolation and loneliness are more prevalent than ever in modern history?" Learning to benefit from solitude-- a prerequisite of mental stability and deep reflection-- would definitely be beneficial. But we don't need a society of isolated and paranoid loners (who often seem to get their hands on weaponry they don't have any business handling).