Science Discussion Group

As part of our on-going discussion of climate change, resource limitations, and the different assessments of future social collapse we will discuss articles by two writers who focus on these issues. This discussion group is for those who understand that the problems of global industrial society cannot be resolved through new, "green", or alternative technology, and so time will not be spent discussing such bogus solutions. If you appreciate studying concepts of social development and alternative ideas regarding the unavoidable simplification of present society then this group is for you! The writers and articles that we will discuss are listed below; if you wish to attend please read the articles before the meeting so that we will all be prepared to contribute in a meaningful way. Joseph Tainter is an Anthropology professor at Utah State University who is well-known for his now-classic 1988 book, Collapse of Complex Societies. His article, "Complexity, Problem Solving, and Sustainable Societies", is a concise summary of his thoughts on social complexity in relation to energy resources: http://www.dieoff.com/page134.htm David Korowicz is a physicist and human systems ecologist. He is associated with the Feasta organization in Dublin, Ireland which promotes a more-sustainable society. Korowicz has written an article, "Tipping Point: Near-Term Systemic Implications of a Peak in Global Oil Production" focusing on the systemic effects of peak oil and the possibility of impending collapse of global society: http://www.feasta.org/2010/03/15/tipping-point-near-term-systemic-implications-of-a-peak-in-global-oil-production-an-outline-review/ Go to the link in this article for Korowicz' "Tipping Point" article: Download the report (http://www.feasta.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Tipping-Point-Nov.pdf) (56 pages, PDF format, 6.5MB)