Complexification is a process observed in nature, where complexity emerges at the border between ordering chaos, leading to increased complexity in both biology and cultural evolution.
Brett Anderson's essay argues for the existence of objective value, supporting it based on the process of complexification, its manifestation in biology and cultural evolution, and our evolutionary selection for participation in this process.
The concept of relevance realization, described as the intelligent focus on relevant aspects of the complex world, is crucial for problem-solving, psychological well-being, and personal growth, and has parallels with mythological insights and transformation.
Deep dives
The Power of Complexification
Complexification is a process observed in nature, where complexity emerges at the border between ordering chaos. This process is manifest in biology and cultural evolution, leading to increasing complexity. Competing interactions are a key element in the process, creating tension and driving self-organized criticality. This complexity is not accidental but essential for the existence of life and other complex phenomena. The understanding of complexification can provide insights into the direction of evolution and cultural development.
The Argument for Objective Value
Brett Anderson's essay, 'Intimations of a New World View,' presents an argument for the existence of objective value. Objective values are important both to address the modern meaning crisis and because moral claims are generally treated as objective, even if not explicitly stated. Brett outlines eight points that support the existence of objective value, including the process of complexification, the manifestation of complexity in biology and cultural evolution, and our evolutionary selection for participation in this process. He also highlights the role of relevance realization and its relationship to consciousness, highlighting the connection between our participation in this process and the process of creation itself.
Relevance Realization and Wisdom
Relevance realization, as described by John Vervakey, is central to Brett's argument. Relevance realization is the process by which we intelligently focus on the relevant aspects of the overwhelming complexity of the world. It involves breaking cognitive frames and achieving insights. The process of relevance realization is crucial for problem-solving, psychological well-being, and the development of wisdom. Brett connects this process to mythology, particularly the metamythology as described by Jordan Peterson. The metamythology reflects the same pattern of insight and transformation as relevance realization. Embracing this process and facilitating it in individuals can lead to personal growth, competence, and the ability to navigate and transform the world.
Implications and Challenges
The podcast episode offers insights into the power of complexification, the existence of objective value, the role of relevance realization, and the connection between individual growth and the process of creation. Practical implications include fostering competence, forthrightness, and the facilitation of relevance realization in individuals. These factors contribute to personal and societal development, and can address challenges such as the meaning crisis and the changing dynamics of competition and cooperation in a globalized world. The integration of cultural evolution, psychology, and science into our understanding of these processes offers potential solutions and new perspectives for navigating complex issues.
The power of systemic processes and unconscious design
Brett and Tom discuss the importance of systemic processes and unconscious design in shaping complex systems. They highlight that many outcomes in cultural practices and biological phenomena result from these processes rather than conscious design. They provide examples like the legal system, the political system, and the water temples in Bali to illustrate how these systems have evolved over time through trial and error, leading to successful outcomes. They emphasize that relying too much on conscious design can often lead to problems and that understanding and working with the natural flow of systemic processes can lead to better outcomes.
The interaction between tension and slack in the emergence of novelty
The conversation explores the interaction between tension and slack in the emergence of novelty and complexity. They explain that tension, which arises from competition, leads to specialization and increased efficiency. However, highly efficient systems are not resilient and lack the capacity for change. This tension eventually descends into chaos, creating slack, which allows for the emergence of novelty and creative exploration. They draw parallels to evolutionary theory and punctuated equilibrium, where periods of intense competition are followed by bursts of novelty. They highlight the importance of finding the right balance between tension and slack to foster creativity and adaptation.
Tom Morgan returns for his third appearance on Infinite Loops with Jim, Infinite Loops’ own Ed William and special guest Brett Andersen, an evolutionary psychology PhD student at the University of New Mexico. We discuss the implications of the ideas presented in Brett’s fantastic essay ‘Intimations of a New Worldview’, whether the rise of anti-heroes is a challenge to Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, the influence of conscious vs unconscious design, and much more. Important Links:
