Breaking Down: Collapse Episode 72 - Interview with Dr. Joseph Tainter (Complex Societies)
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Feb 2, 2022 Dr. Joseph Tainter, a Professor of Sustainability at Utah State University and author of "The Collapse of Complex Societies," dives deep into the intricate weave of societal collapse and energy challenges. He examines the sustainability of modern lifestyles against the backdrop of dwindling resources and the shift to renewable energy. The discussion explores the tension between complexity and innovation, urging a balance of idealism and realism for a sustainable future. Historical insights and contemporary issues, such as climate change, highlight the urgent need for informed awareness.
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Episode notes
Origin of Collapse Theory
- Dr. Tainter's interest in societal collapse stemmed from a perceived inadequacy in existing literature.
- His "aha" moment came from applying the economic principle of diminishing returns to societal complexity.
Defining Collapse
- Societal collapse is a rapid simplification, a loss of established complexity.
- Complexity grows as a problem-solving tool but carries inherent costs, leading to diminishing returns.
Complexity and Energy Surplus
- Complexity usually arises to solve problems, but rarely, it responds to energy surplus.
- Examples include agriculture, industrialism, and potentially, information technology.
