Re: World Scientists' Warning to Humanity: A second Notice

Neon Knight Thu 30 Nov - 23:53

You both make good points which lead to philosophical questions such as:

What is the purpose of the human race? What does it matter if humans disappear?

It's hard to think of meaningful answers and religion doesn't seem to have much to say on this either. A pragmatic answer would be that we are simply driven by instinct to survive and reproduce so that's what we will continue to do. Okay. The question then becomes "How much longer do we want the show to go on for?" Because we can reduce consumption and extend it or continue at the present rate and end it prematurely. Either way, there is a giant asteroid somewhere out in space with the word 'Earth' written on it.

Vendég Fri 1 Dec - 0:05

Neon Knight wrote:You both make good points which lead to philosophical questions such as:

What is the purpose of the human race? What does it matter if humans disappear?

It's hard to think of meaningful answers and religion doesn't seem to have much to say on this either. A pragmatic answer would be that we are simply driven by instinct to survive and reproduce so that's what we will continue to do. Okay. The question then becomes "How much longer do we want the show to go on for?" Because we can reduce consumption and extend it or continue at the present rate and end it prematurely. Either way, there is a giant asteroid somewhere out in space with the word 'Earth' written on it.

IMO the purpose of the human race is just the existence and to be alive. It would be benefitable to the Earth if humans would disappear, but it doesn't matter anyway.

Sary Fri 1 Dec - 22:24

Magyar Lány wrote:
Neon Knight wrote:You both make good points which lead to philosophical questions such as:

What is the purpose of the human race? What does it matter if humans disappear?

It's hard to think of meaningful answers and religion doesn't seem to have much to say on this either. A pragmatic answer would be that we are simply driven by instinct to survive and reproduce so that's what we will continue to do. Okay. The question then becomes "How much longer do we want the show to go on for?" Because we can reduce consumption and extend it or continue at the present rate and end it prematurely. Either way, there is a giant asteroid somewhere out in space with the word 'Earth' written on it.

IMO the purpose of the human race is just the existence and to be alive. It would be benefitable to the Earth if humans would disappear, but it doesn't matter anyway.

How does the extinction of human beings benefit the earth? The earth does not have feelings...do you mean benefit the animals?
Mmmmmm...If a tree falls in the forest and nobody is around to hear it does it make a sound?
I guess I have a more optimistic view for the future of mankind. I think we owe it to our ancestors to carry the torch.
Did you ever hear of the environmental paradox?
The argument goes thus: "Why, despite resource depletion and the degradation of ecosystems, is average human well-being improving globally?"

Vendég Fri 1 Dec - 22:36

Sary wrote:
Magyar Lány wrote:
Neon Knight wrote:You both make good points which lead to philosophical questions such as:

What is the purpose of the human race? What does it matter if humans disappear?

It's hard to think of meaningful answers and religion doesn't seem to have much to say on this either. A pragmatic answer would be that we are simply driven by instinct to survive and reproduce so that's what we will continue to do. Okay. The question then becomes "How much longer do we want the show to go on for?" Because we can reduce consumption and extend it or continue at the present rate and end it prematurely. Either way, there is a giant asteroid somewhere out in space with the word 'Earth' written on it.

IMO the purpose of the human race is just the existence and to be alive. It would be benefitable to the Earth if humans would disappear, but it doesn't matter anyway.

How does the extinction of human beings benefit the earth? The earth does not have feelings...do you mean benefit the animals?
Mmmmmm...If a tree falls in the forest and nobody is around to hear it does it make a sound?
I guess I have a more optimistic view for the future of mankind. I think we owe it to our ancestors to carry the torch.
Did you ever hear of the environmental paradox?
The argument goes thus: "Why, despite resource depletion and the degradation of ecosystems, is average human well-being improving globally?"

I meant humans wouldn't destroy the nature anymore. Never heard of this paradox, but it's interesting. IMO we can improve until we have exploitable natural resources.

Neon Knight Fri 1 Dec - 22:47

Sary wrote:I guess I have a more optimistic view for the future of mankind. I think we owe it to our ancestors to carry the torch.

I think one's belief about an afterlife is very relevant here. If we think there is an afterlife then it's possible we get to watch the continuing story of life on Earth. If there is no afterlife then we might as well just live for ourselves and burn it up.

Did you ever hear of the environmental paradox?
The argument goes thus: "Why, despite resource depletion and the degradation of ecosystems, is average human well-being improving globally?"

If well-being just means increased life-expectancy from about 70 to 90 then that's not a big deal really. I suppose the greens would say that the negative effects of our consumption have not properly kicked in yet; the jury is still out.

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