21 Jun 2012 12:00pm - 2:00pm Alison Richard Building, ground floor, SG2

Description

Dr Martin Sewell (Economics) presents at the CRASSH Postdoctoral Research Seminar

Abstract

Top-down politics are based on ideology.  An ideology accommodates one aspect of human motivation and behaviour, to the exclusion of all others, and asserts that it is or could become all inclusive.  In the same sense that all models are wrong, all ideologies are false, and when implemented always result in a degree of totalitarianism.  Ideology ultimately stems from the religious disposition that all humans share. Western culture has been hugely influenced by Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Islam and Judaism) and their beliefs that we are progressing towards Utopia.  This is the basis of all left wing philosophies, neoconservatism and extreme neoliberalism.  Politics should not be based on utopian-inspired ideology, but on science.  The scientific approach to constructing an accurate model of human nature involves using a bottom-up evolutionary approach.  In common with all other species, humans have evolved 'as if' reproduction was the sole goal for which they were 'designed', and everything they do is a means to that end.  As we cannot transcend our genes, if we are to avoid totalitarianism, we must align our politics so that they accommodate human nature. 

A light lunch will be provided. The event is free to attend but registration is required.  Please click on the link at the right hand side of the page to register online.

About Martin Sewell

Martin is a supervisor in maths and econometrics for the Faculty of Economics, and also works as a temp for the Centre for Risk Studies, Judge Business School.  He was previously a Senior Research Associate at the Cambridge Centre for Climate Change Mitigation Research (4CMR), Department of Land Economy. 

 

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