There are occasions in human history when access to energy gain has allowed human societies to grow complex. We think this is normal because we're in a period like that now with our reliance on fossil fuels. Most of the time in human history, complexity grows to solve problems. There's an old nature versus nurture debate. Are humans hardwired by nature? Or do we become who we are through nurture and socialization? Well, the brain imaging studies are showing that in fact this is a false question. It's a false dichotomy.We become essentially hardwired very early in life. This all raises the question: just how much choice do humans have?
On this episode we meet with archaeologist, historian, and Professor at Utah State University, Joe Tainter.
What are the key differences between complicated and complex? How can we better understand energy and society through these key distinctions? Tainter explains our current predicament based on decades of research and offers pathways for our collective future.
About Joe Tainter
Joe Tainter has been a professor at Utah State University in the Environment and Society Department since 2007, serving as Department Head from 2007 to 2009. His study of why societies collapse led to research on sustainability, with emphasis on energy and innovation. He has also conducted research on land-use conflict and human responses to climate change. He has written several books, including The Collapse of Complex Societies and Drilling Down: The Gulf Oil Debacle and Our Energy Dilemma.
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/27-joe-tainter