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Systems Thinking, Science and Ethics driving a paradigm shift with Fritjof Capra
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Listen to this episode: Duration: 40 min.
Quick Overview
Fritjof Capra, comments on key ideas from his books and his work advocating for a shift from a mechanistic worldview to a systemic and ecological perspective. He argues that the mechanistic thinking model has failed to address complexities of our world. He emphasizes that life organizes itself in networks that are regenerative, creative, and intelligent, and he envisions a systems-based leadership approach. Supported by systems theory, he affirms that this new understanding of life reveals that major global issues are interconnected and require systemic solutions. Capra also advocates for a paradigm shift in ethics and values to address these challenges effectively. In this interview, he provides insightful reflections on systems thinking, the intersection of science and spirituality, the four principles of life and The Earth Charter.
Questions and Topics Addressed in this Episode
- Comments on the paradigm shift from a mechanistic one to a systemic and ecological view of life.
- What are the key ecological principles of life articulated in your books?
- What is Ecological Literacy and how a leader, who is ecologically literate, would make decisions?
- What are the characteristics of a system thinker?
- What is the role of ethics, values and worldviews in helping to address global challenges?
- Comments on the exercise of doing a systems map of the Earth Charter.
- How do you see the intersection between science and spirituality?
Fritjof Capra
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Systems Thinking, Science and Ethics driving a paradigm shift
Who is Fritjof Capra?
Fritjof Capra is a renowned physicist, systems theorist, and author, known for his groundbreaking work on quantum physics and in bridging science and spirituality. He is the author of several influential books, including ‘The Tao of Physics,’ ‘The Web of Life,’ ‘The Turning Point’ and ‘The Hidden Connections:’ and is co-author of many books including ‘The Systems View of Life,’ with Pier Luigi. In addition to his research in physics and systems theory, Capra has been engaged in a systematic examination of the philosophical and social implications of contemporary science for the past 40 years. He has a Ph.D. in theoretical physics and is a member of the Earth Charter Internacional Council and a founding director of the Center for Ecoliteracy.
This podcast is developed by Earth Charter International as part of our work as UNESCO Chair on Education for Sustainable Development with the Earth Charter.
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