Elevate Economics

The machine science of 17th-18th century still dominates the world views that form and inform our education, economics and policy, and thus influence our wellbeing and planet. It draws from classical Newtonian physics and is based on linear models of inputs and outputs. For more on this read Fritjof Capra’s ‘Tao of Physics’ on linearity versus network effects. The mechanistic world view ignores our symbiotic, reciprocal nature and the role of feedback loops in adaptation and self-generation – ‘autopoiesis’ (see Maturana & Varela); it ignores social capital, ancient knowledge of ecosystems and webs of life, complexity.

In this archaic world view and subsequent models of the economy (neoclassical) we are akin to automata maximising self interest competing and destroying our living world, which is reduced to ‘land’ a mere factor of production. Reality: we exist within living networks nested within living networks within living networks of reciprocity, of feedback loops.

Models are simplified representations of the world which by virtue leave out aspects of reality. What gets included or left out, and potentially what is amplified or distorted depends on the world views of those developing the models.

In 2025 we must go forth with systems change, updating curricula, and changing the lenses through which we see and affect the world to those that are reflective of the nature of reality.

#systemschange #curriculumchange #elevate #economics# #socialca pital #reciprocity #pluralism #feedbackloops #degrowth #systemsthinking #commons