Independent Thinking in an Uncertain World: A Mind of One's Own

Human ideas and actions have led to unprecedented changes in the relationships between humans and the Earth, requiring social re-organisation to meet these challenges. Independent Thinking in an Uncertain World explores workable strategies from the frontiers of creating a viable future for humans on Earth, combining individual, social, and biophysical ways of thinking to allow open-minded individuals to learn from one another.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2019
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Any effective response to an uncertain future will require the collaboration of independent thinkers. Human ideas and actions have brought about unprecedented transformations in the relationships among humans and between humans and the Earth. The evidence of these changes can be seen in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the energy we consume, as nature, driven by its own interests, seeks to sustain itself. Even the very fabric of human evolution has been altered. The digital communication revolution has added new evolutionary pressures to those already present in natural systems. To meet these challenges, a profound social reorganization is necessary, which is neither straightforward nor easy.

Independent Thinking in an Uncertain World delves into practical and field-tested strategies for creating a sustainable future for humans on Earth. Drawing from extensive research conducted through hundreds of social learning workshops with communities across the globe, including many participants from Australian National University's Local Sustainability Project, the authors, with diverse backgrounds, examine the gap between open-minded individual thinking and closed socially defined knowledge. They explore the interconnectedness of individual, social, and biophysical ways of thinking, merging them in innovative ways that enable open-minded individuals to learn from one another.

The book offers a comprehensive framework for navigating the complexities of our uncertain world. It highlights the importance of embracing diversity, promoting collaborative decision-making, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility. By recognizing the interconnectedness of human actions and the natural world, the authors encourage individuals to adopt a holistic perspective and work towards a future that balances human needs with the preservation of our planet.

Independent Thinking in an Uncertain World is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to navigate the challenges of our time. It provides insights, tools, and inspiration to help individuals and communities build resilience, adapt to change, and create a more sustainable and equitable world. Whether you are a policymaker, activist, educator, or simply someone interested in understanding the world around us, this book offers valuable perspectives and actionable strategies for building a better future.

Weight: 568g
Dimension: 239 x 168 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138387225