I agree with you, Hemant, blinkered economics lacks the depth of focus needed to find lasting solutions. We have evolved as a species in small bands of hunter gatherers. Recent history hasn't revised our basic approach to the co-dependence of "tribal" life". Natural selection has favoured the gene-pools of those who are prepared to be altruistic towards other tribe or family members with whom they are co-dependent.
"J.B.S. Haldane, a renowned British geneticist and evolutionary biologist, is known for his humorous yet insightful comment regarding kin selection. When asked if he would lay down his life for his brother, he responded, "No, but I would to save two brothers or eight cousins," highlighting the genetic relationship and the concept of inclusive fitness."
WK Clifford's concept of "Tribal Self", on the other hand, gives the key to Clifford's ethical view, which explains conscience and the moral law by the development in each individual of a 'self,' which prescribes the conduct conducive to the welfare of the 'tribe. We probably notice the tribal self most as conscience but it plays a major role in every ethical choice we make.
Society and humanity are now global and our local tribes are no longer the important target for our tribal instincts.
Patriotism, to my mind, is a vicious form of this human virtue.
Fascism perversely exemplifies this.
The topic also makes me think of the common-wealth that was squandered in the move to privatisation. The infrastructure of roads, hospitals, schools etc. created publicly owned public amenities. This was valuable to the poor in social and psychological fields and not just for its practical benefits. The "tragedy of the commons" took on a new form under "Hayek's bastards".
We need to somehow re-align our human instincts with our global humanity or let the instinctual drives that have brought us so far , reduce us to gangsters.
I agree with you, Hemant, blinkered economics lacks the depth of focus needed to find lasting solutions. We have evolved as a species in small bands of hunter gatherers. Recent history hasn't revised our basic approach to the co-dependence of "tribal" life". Natural selection has favoured the gene-pools of those who are prepared to be altruistic towards other tribe or family members with whom they are co-dependent.
"J.B.S. Haldane, a renowned British geneticist and evolutionary biologist, is known for his humorous yet insightful comment regarding kin selection. When asked if he would lay down his life for his brother, he responded, "No, but I would to save two brothers or eight cousins," highlighting the genetic relationship and the concept of inclusive fitness."
WK Clifford's concept of "Tribal Self", on the other hand, gives the key to Clifford's ethical view, which explains conscience and the moral law by the development in each individual of a 'self,' which prescribes the conduct conducive to the welfare of the 'tribe. We probably notice the tribal self most as conscience but it plays a major role in every ethical choice we make.
Society and humanity are now global and our local tribes are no longer the important target for our tribal instincts.
Patriotism, to my mind, is a vicious form of this human virtue.
Fascism perversely exemplifies this.
The topic also makes me think of the common-wealth that was squandered in the move to privatisation. The infrastructure of roads, hospitals, schools etc. created publicly owned public amenities. This was valuable to the poor in social and psychological fields and not just for its practical benefits. The "tragedy of the commons" took on a new form under "Hayek's bastards".
We need to somehow re-align our human instincts with our global humanity or let the instinctual drives that have brought us so far , reduce us to gangsters.
Couldn't agree more, Bruce! Thanks for sharing your insights.