World Ordering: A Social Theory of Cognitive Evolution

This book proposes a cognitive evolution theory of international social orders, arguing that practices and their background knowledge survive preferentially, communities of practice serve as their vehicle, and social orders evolve. It uses three running cases to illustrate the theory and submits a normative theory of better practices and bounded progress.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 394 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2019
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Drawing on the rich tapestry of evolutionary epistemology, process ontology, and social cognition, this groundbreaking book presents a cognitive evolution theory, an evolutionary-constructivist social and normative framework for understanding change and stability in international social orders. It boldly asserts that practices and their underlying knowledge endure preferentially, communities of practice serve as their vehicles, and social orders evolve. As an evolutionary theory of world ordering that diverges from traditional natural science approaches, it sheds light on why specific configurations of practices organize and govern social orders epistemically and normatively, as well as how these configurations transition from one social order to another.

The book adopts a multifaceted and interconnected approach to international social orders, advocating for a recognition of multiple and overlapping orders. Through the use of three compelling running cases—Europe's contemporary social order, the cyberspace order, and the corporate order—it vividly illustrates the theory's applications and implications. Moreover, the author offers a normative theory of better practices and bounded progress, grounded in the principles of common humanity and epistemological security.

This thought-provoking work not only expands our understanding of the dynamics of international social orders but also provides valuable insights into the potential for positive change and progress in a world that is constantly evolving. It is a must-read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in exploring the complex interplay between cognition, society, and global order.

Weight: 578g
Dimension: 185 x 226 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108412674