Global Brain Singularity

This book introduces readers to global brain singularity through a logical meditation on the temporal dynamics of the universal process. Global brain singularity is conceived of as a future metasystem of human civilization that represents a qualitatively higher coherence of order. To better understand the potential of this phenomenon, the book begins with an overview of universal history. The focus then shifts to the structure of human systems, and the notion that contemporary global civilization must mediate the emergence of a commons that will transform the future of politics, economics and psychosocial life in general. In this context the book presents our species as biocultural evolutionary agents attempting to create a novel and independent domain of technocultural evolution that affords us new levels of freedom. Lastly, the book underscores the internal depths of the present moment, structured by a division between subject and object. The nature of the interaction between subject and object would appear to govern the mechanics of a spiritual process that is key to understanding the meaning of singularity inclusive of observers. Given its scope, the book will appeal to readers interested in systems approaches to the emerging world society, especially historians, philosophers and social scientists. "This book is an impressive piece of scholarship, integrating results from disciplines as diverse as history, cosmology, philosophy and economics in order to understand the changes in our present information society. These changes are so drastic that they point to a singularity, i.e. a discontinuous transition to a wholly different regime. The author lucidly reviews the main scenarios for this "singular" future that have been proposed by contemporary academics, pointing out their strengths and weaknesses." Dr. Francis Heylighen, Cyberneticist and pioneer of the Global Brain concept

Autorentext
Cadell Last is a philosopher with an interdisciplinary background in fields of evolutionary anthropology, psychoanalysis, complexity science and big history. He has spent much of his life searching for the truth of being through questions about the difference between humans and nature, and the consequences of human difference for nature.

Inhalt
Introduction.- PART I: Contextualizing Our Present.- Historical Foundations for Future Speculations.- History of the future.- PART II: Challenges of a Global Metasystem.- Human Metasystem Transitions.- Control Dynamics of Human Metasystems.- Global Brain and the Future of Human Society.- Global Commons in the Global Brain.- PART II: Signs of a New Evolution.- Biocultural Theory of Human Reproduction.- Atechnogenesis and Technocultural Evolution.- Deep Future, Evolutionary Developmental Pathways.- PART IV: Field of 21st Century Knowledge.- Non-Monist Framework for the Emergence and Reconciliation of Subject-Object Division.- Symbolic Orders and Structure of Universal Internalization.- A Reflective Note for Dialectical Thinkers.- Dialectical Approach to Singularity.- Conclusion: Universal history, deep future, eternal present.