Tom Roberts from Energy Resources writes: “In his article L. W. Nicholson wrote:
“Now we need people who have become experts at composing an overall view. People who have at least some knowledge of many subjects which are required for the efficient (energy efficient) operation of a social mechanism. This type of knowledge has not been rewarded by the monetary manipulators of present or past ages, and therefore, has not been popular with any past society. However that may be, the problems of today’s society is in need of this type of “expertise”.”
No, we do not want “experts at composing an overall view.” This could be as democratically onerous as any elite, or special class.
What we do need to recognize is that our intellectual traditions are mainly founded in a tendency to “do things” primarily because we had the resources to do so, such as do more, go faster, make bigger, be more ostentatious, etc.
Our culture has harbored negative incentives for those who wanted to ask–and answer–the questions like “What should we be doing?” and “Is what we are doing in our long term interests, etc?”
We need to clean up what are essentially remnants of what could be called the systems sciences and have as one key initial audience, the children between the fifth and ninth grades (in the United States educational system.)
And we should also recognize that as we do this, and the kids start thinking on their own, (which they will do with amazing speed based on my own experience) they will be trying to work with world views that are substantially different from our own, will lack the boring litany of disconnected facts that represent today’s education, and will want to do things we can barely dream of.
Further, most of the systems science is embodied in the work of just a few people, with Howard Odum at the head of the group.
The greatest paradox of our times is how that grand science of forces, connections, and guiding direction eludes us, and how we do not have to let it do so.
L. W. Nicholson replies:
Tom, the third postulate of science is that there are symbols in the “mind” that refer to things and events in the physical world. ( The symbols referred to here are called words, which are different for different languages.)
EXPERT — Showing special skills or knowledge —A person who is a specialist.
The type of “expert” you are talking about is probably one with special skills in getting himself elected to public office. Or, perhaps, one who is a specialist at making, or collecting, the money required to buy the advertising necessary to afford a position of “leadership.” In a society which hasn’t the method required for selecting an intelligent leadership. And, therefore, has never experienced the difference an intelligent leadership could provide. If this is not correct, then I must assume that you think the less skill demonstrated in high public office, the better off we will be.
The type of “expert” I am referring to is one that is skilled in the operations of a high energy, computer controlled technological society such as that now existing on this Continent. This type of skill is needed very much at the present time and will become ever more critical as the earth’s natural resources become less able to support the increasing population. And really, Tom, I think this should be obvious to one of your abilities.
With the difference in definitions between us, our minds are not meeting on this subject. Are you willing to accept my definition, or must I accept yours?
What do you think? Write me: L.W. Nicholson at: llwnick22@aol.com
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