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Ultrasocial
The Evolution of Human Nature and the Quest for a Sustainable Future
By: John M. Gowdy
Hardcover | 26 August 2021
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Human economy has become an ultrasocial superorganism (similar to an ant or termite colony), with the requirements of superorganism taking precedence over the individuals within it. Human society is now an autonomous, highly integrated network of technologies, institutions, and belief systems dedicated to the expansion of economic production. Recognizing this allows a radically new interpretation of free market and neoliberal ideology which - far from advocating personal freedom - leads to sacrificing the well-being of individuals for the benefit of the global market.
Ultrasocial is a fascinating exploration of what this means for the future direction of the humanity: can we forge a better, more egalitarian, and sustainable future by changing this socio-economic - and ultimately destructive - path? Gowdy explores how this might be achieved.
Industry Reviews
'The evolutionary economist John Gowdy has written a grand narrative tracing how over thousands of years the global human society has become complex, stratified, and interconnected, turning into a vast self-regulating superorganism. And now this superorganism has fallen prey to the ideological virus of neoliberalism, which subordinates the well-being of individuals to the needs of the global market. Ultimately, Ultrasocial is a scathing indictment of neoliberal ideology and market fundamentalism from the evolutionary point of view.' Peter Turchin, University of Connecticut and author of Ultrasociety: How 10,000 Years of War Made Humans the Greatest Cooperators on Earth
'Gowdy puts forward the provocative case that as we came under the yoke of states, humans became closer to ants and termites. Individually we may still be social primates, but collectively we are now closer to a leafcutter ant colony. A stimulating read that reworks the fabric of history away from a simple narrative of increasing complexity and prosperity, to one in which we have traded autonomy and humanity for power. A book that might just change your mind on what it means to be human.' Luke Kemp, Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, University of Cambridge
'In this highly original, stimulating, and provocative interdisciplinary analysis, John Gowdy bridges the agricultural societies of African mound-building termites and fungus-gardening ants with human nature to generate deep insights into modern economics and sustainability.' James Traniello, Boston University
ISBN: 9781108838269
ISBN-10: 110883826X
Published: 26th August 2021
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Number of Pages: 282
Audience: College, Tertiary and University
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PR
Country of Publication: GB
Dimensions (cm): 18.8 x 23.5 x 2.9
Weight (kg): 0.54
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This product is categorised by
- Non-FictionLawInternational LawPublic International LawInternational Environmental Law
- Non-FictionLawLaws of Specific JurisdictionsEnvironmentEnvironment Law
- Non-FictionEarth Sciences, Geography, Environment, PlanningThe EnvironmentSocial Impact of Environmental Issues
- Non-FictionScienceBiology, Life SciencesLife Sciences in GeneralEvolution
- Non-FictionPolitics & GovernmentInternational Relations
- Non-FictionScienceBiology, Life SciencesZoology & Animal SciencesAnimal Ecology
- Non-FictionEarth Sciences, Geography, Environment, PlanningThe EnvironmentEnvironmental Management
- Non-FictionEconomicsEnvironmental Economics
- Non-FictionEarth Sciences, Geography, Environment, PlanningThe EnvironmentPollution & Threats to the EnvironmentClimate Change
- Non-FictionSociety & CultureEthical Issues & Debates
- Non-FictionSociology & AnthropologyAnthropology
- Non-FictionSociety & CultureSocial Groups