A Binary Theory of Collapse
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.1423Keywords:
civilizational collapse, anthropology, environment.Abstract
This paper explores the mechanisms behind civilizational collapse, categorizing the causes into anthropological and environmental factors. Anthropological factors are divided into collective needs, like food production, which harm the environment, and myopic decision-making driven by immediate rewards, alongside the selfish or irrational actions of powerful individuals. Environmental factors include natural disasters and natural climate fluctuations, which have historically impacted societies. The paper highlights anthropogenic climate change as a critical factor, combining elements of both categories, exacerbating natural disasters, and impacting agricultural productivity and stability. Historical examples, such as the Late Bronze Age Collapse and the fall of the Mughal Empire, illustrate these mechanisms. The conclusion posits that modern civilization faces inevitable collapse due to these persistent factors, amplified by globalization and interconnected systems.
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