Sir Karl Popper (1902-1994)

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Philosophy Now
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Sir Karl Popper (1902-1994)

Post by Philosophy Now »

Alistair MacFarlane observes the logic of Karl Popper’s discoveries.

http://philosophynow.org/issues/88/Sir_ ... _1902-1994
spike
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Re: Sir Karl Popper (1902-1994)

Post by spike »

Karl Popper could very well have been one of our first environmental sustainability philosophers without he or us even knowing it. The one thing that would have made him so is his fierce anti-authoritarianism. You see, authoritarian regimes are bad for the environment and sustainability.

Authoritarian regimes forbid criticism. Authoritarian regimes cover things up, like environmental degradation. And since authoritarian regimes are tightly controlled, if any ideas about sustainability were to emerge they wouldn't be radical enough to make a difference. Authoritarian regimes don't like change and are viscerally incapable of reform. One of the reasons the Soviet Union collapsed was its incapacity for sustainability of any kind, except authoritarian rule.

No, it is from individuals that original and meaningful ideas (not always intentional) about sustaining the environment come from, not from committees. Popper was a champion of free thinking and the free exchange of ideas. If the environment is to have any chance of sustainability or survival it will take the open societies and the resourceful thinking of individuals that Karl Popper strove for.
chaz wyman
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Joined: Fri Mar 12, 2010 7:31 pm

Re: Sir Karl Popper (1902-1994)

Post by chaz wyman »

spike wrote:Karl Popper could very well have been one of our first environmental sustainability philosophers without he or us even knowing it. The one thing that would have made him so is his fierce anti-authoritarianism. You see, authoritarian regimes are bad for the environment and sustainability.

Authoritarian regimes forbid criticism. Authoritarian regimes cover things up, like environmental degradation. And since authoritarian regimes are tightly controlled, if any ideas about sustainability were to emerge they wouldn't be radical enough to make a difference. Authoritarian regimes don't like change and are viscerally incapable of reform. One of the reasons the Soviet Union collapsed was its incapacity for sustainability of any kind, except authoritarian rule.

No, it is from individuals that original and meaningful ideas (not always intentional) about sustaining the environment come from, not from committees. Popper was a champion of free thinking and the free exchange of ideas. If the environment is to have any chance of sustainability or survival it will take the open societies and the resourceful thinking of individuals that Karl Popper strove for.
He strove to end the opinions and half baked ideas of people like you.
It is only your ignorance that allows you to eulogise this great man.
If you knew where he stood on matters of social responsibility and political orientation you would be dumping him with many other great thinkers of the left.
But then this forum does not really expect any sense out of you, having seen your rantings on Capitalism.
chaz wyman
Posts: 5304
Joined: Fri Mar 12, 2010 7:31 pm

Re: Sir Karl Popper (1902-1994)

Post by chaz wyman »

spike wrote:Karl Popper could very well have been one of our first environmental sustainability philosophers without he or us even knowing it. The one thing that would have made him so is his fierce anti-authoritarianism. You see, authoritarian regimes are bad for the environment and sustainability.

Authoritarian regimes forbid criticism. Authoritarian regimes cover things up, like environmental degradation. And since authoritarian regimes are tightly controlled, if any ideas about sustainability were to emerge they wouldn't be radical enough to make a difference. Authoritarian regimes don't like change and are viscerally incapable of reform. One of the reasons the Soviet Union collapsed was its incapacity for sustainability of any kind, except authoritarian rule.

No, it is from individuals that original and meaningful ideas (not always intentional) about sustaining the environment come from, not from committees. Popper was a champion of free thinking and the free exchange of ideas. If the environment is to have any chance of sustainability or survival it will take the open societies and the resourceful thinking of individuals that Karl Popper strove for.
The route to sustainability is through regulation and legislation.
The 'free' market has no need for sustainability as it is itself sustained by short term profits, asset stripping, laying waste and moving on. it's motivation is profit. It has no interest in the nation or the future.
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