Question

Need to read the article from the link I provided and need to come up with a 2-3 page summary and critique and providing real life examples.

https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/qkv5a3/apocalypse-neuro-why-our-brain-cant-process-the-planets-gravest-threats

or https://www.islamicboard.com/general/134342488-apocalypse-neuro-brains-dont-process-gravest-threats-humanity.html

Answer 1

The first reading claims that the human brain is in fact not designed in a way to be able to comprehend slow changes in the environment such as the detrimental ongoing climate change. It states that although the brain is a fascinating organ which is able to simultaneous carry out multiple functions in different domains, it in facts like the ability to comprehend and make sense of long term consequences that may lead to civilization threatening phenomena. We operate on short term survival arrangements, whereas long term consequences aren't made sense of by us. It is claimed that because it is happening too slowly, it has been strong enough to hold our attention and taken seriously. These changes include ones much debated like that of global warming. Typically, the melting of glaciers which is happening worldwide can lead to eventual destruction and submersion. Since these devastating calamities are gradual in their approach, we as humans have not lent an intentful eye to them despite the fact that we call ourselves a civilised, developed, smart and exceptional species. Some of the practices that we consciously engage in despite knowing their devastating impact on the overall climate and wellbeing are deforestation, overfishing, and the ruination of farmland, as well as unsustainable social practices like slavery, and over-taxation. Especially in developing countries where economies are not every sound, heavy taxation is the source of income generation. However, the long term impact that they may have on members of that nation is conveniently neglected. Another example is that of killing rare animals which are likely to extinct. For our own selfish motives aimed at commercialization, killing of rare species such as tiger is leading to them turning lesser and lesser in number. Co-existing is not seen as equally important in the eco-system whereas, commercial growth and development takes over. This is similar to immediate gratification versus long term planning. Therefore, here and now planning and dealing with everyday situations needing problem solving are dealt with, however long term threats to the civilization as a whole are side-lined. A study conducted on children proved how they believe in instant rewards and immediate gratification. However, even as adults, we continue to operate with a child-like mind not being able to view the impact certain acts may have on the distant future. Despite the fact that most scientists agree that depletion of the environmental enrichment is a culmination of hazardous activities of man, most people lay a blind eye to it and continue satisfying their Freudian 'id'. In this context, the greatest suffers are likely to be those less privileged and the ones belonging to a lower socioeconomic background. Psychology relates to this phenomenon as follows: Innate sense of social competence takes over human beings wherein even a young child is able to discriminate between accidents and deliberate attacks. The slowly accumulating devastation that we collectively contribute to are therefore seen as something for which everyone is responsible but no one had a direct motive towards. Even when natural calamities occur, we as humans tend to show sympathy for a while and then move on with ignorance assuming that climate could never be responsible for killing THEM indeed. Moreover, we seek refuge in policies implemented by Governments or other stakeholders in this devastation. Mass projects that lead to climate deterioration are prerogative of higher authorities and individuals aren't to be blamed for them. Science has constantly been striving to understand how a transformation in human approach can be brought about to this crucial concern of the hour, i.e. towards this slowly approaching apocalypse. Myths and doomsday threats/warnings are sometimes considered effective motivators for humans to take this seriously. Psychoanalytic theory also connects to the irony that the reason why we are so fascinates by this theme even in terms of fiction is because unconsciously we want to elope and not address the issue in itself. In all, if we choose to stay as ignorant as we currently are and run away from this rising concern, we'd have nothing to blame but our own brains for it.