Week 2: Movie - Surviving Progress, Ronald Wright. Class Discussion Flashcards
Define “externalities” in the context of natural resources.
Externalities are the unintended side effects of economic activities that impact the environment and society, such as water pollution or soil degradation, which are not directly accounted for in economic transactions.
Why might the concept of “ancestral mechanisms” be relevant in modern decision-making?
Ancestral mechanisms, evolved over thousands of years, influence our instincts and reactions today, often leading us to make decisions based on outdated survival instincts rather than rational, long-term planning.
What role does debt-financed resource acquisition play in modern economies?
Debt-financed resource acquisition allows corporations or governments to exploit natural resources by borrowing against future gains, often leading to environmental degradation and economic instability if returns do not cover costs.
What is a key characteristic of an oligarchy?
A) Equal wealth distribution
B) Wealth and power concentrated among a few
C) Extensive public social programs
D) Decentralized governance
B
True or False
Civilizations tend to be “healthy” only when they are expanding.
Answer: True.
Explanation: Historically, civilizations that expanded were able to access new resources and sustain population growth, but over-expansion often led to resource depletion and societal collapse.
True or False
Using less “stuff” overall is one way to escape modern progress traps.
Answer: True.
Explanation: Reducing consumption can alleviate pressure on natural resources and decrease the negative impacts of overproduction, helping break out of cycles that cause environmental and social harm.
Yes or No
Does globalization contribute to the current material economy?
Yes.
Explanation: Globalization has connected markets worldwide, accelerating consumption patterns and creating a reliance on continuous production and distribution of goods.
Yes or No
Is someone a “better person” for buying an electric vehicle without considering its environmental impact?
No.
Explanation: Purchasing an electric vehicle without regard to the environmental cost of battery production, including mining of rare earth elements, may be more about individual satisfaction than meaningful environmental action.
How does the “material economy” relate to progress traps?
The material economy emphasizes constant production and consumption, often leading to resource depletion and environmental harm. This drive for progress creates problems that require further consumption to “solve,” trapping society in unsustainable cycles.
Explain how “21st-century software in hardware that hasn’t changed for 50,000 years” might affect decision-making in modern society.
Our brains are wired with ancient survival instincts, but we face complex, modern problems. This mismatch can lead to impulsive, short-term thinking instead of the thoughtful, long-term planning needed to address today’s challenges.
