I recently began teaching some classes in the molecular biology department of Kyoto University. I was quite trepidatory about it to begin with; felt like I was getting out of my depth teaching scientists how to talk about science. After all, back when I sat my O’ Levels (yes, I am that old) I got an E in Physics (which is a failing grade) and a U in Chemistry (”U” meant “ungradeable” or “useless” or “u is an idiot” or something). However, these classes are actually turning out to be quite interesting. I’m learning all about stem cell research, expanding my vocabulary no end (blastocysts? pluripotency? transcriptive factors? lentiviral vectors? - no sweat!) and today one Professor was talking to me about Darwinist theory. Darwinist theory, it seems has been used (and abused) by quite a few social theorists to support their own models of how the world should be. Many Marxist thinkers have put forward the notion that just as there is evolution in nature, there is evolution in society: from primitive structures, through feudal systems, on into capitalism and then onwards inevitably towards an eventual socialist utopia. Capitalist thinkers on the other hand, have emphasized natural selection, whereby only the fittest survive. Cut-throat competition is the natural way of things and individuals are biologically programmed to strive for personal success so that their genetic legacy may be passed on through future generations. The problem is, the evolutionary and societal models they are using, are just too simple. It’s far more complicated than that. Now if you know me, you know already, I don’t like that capitalist model at all. And I don’t like the idea that we are all just a bunch of breeders. To me it’s a part of human nature for us to care for each other. Animals and plants don’t have choices in life, they merely are what they are and do what they do (which is why some Buddhist schools hold them to be closer to enlightenment than we can ever be). Humans, however, have so many options to choose from, including whether or not to behave purely out of self-interest or for the good of all. Again, looking at the Marxist model, I think the idea of an inevitable progress, in either nature or human society is an absurd one. The future is undecided, it’s all up for grabs (!) and it is up to us, here and now what we make of it and what kind of world our descendants will inherit. Scientists are beginning to understand that evolution is not just a simple case of survival of the fittest, or of gradual adaptation to a changing environment, but that tiny changes and interactions at a molecular level can have profound and very sudden results in the bigger picture. In the same way, I believe, the seemingly insignificant actions of each and every individual can have profound effects upon the people around us and society and the world at large. So (tangentally) that being in mind, here are a couple of important links for today:
Imagine a future dystopia that’s all vinegar and no cod and chips… Horrible, isn’t it? Greenpeace don’t want that to happen. Word.
Kenya’s on the brink of disaster — bullets are flying on the streets, with over 600 killed and 250,000 made homeless as government and opposition struggle over the presidency. There is something we can do to help before it’s too late. Only dialogue and an independent election review will dispel the crisis - and the world can play a crucial role: by reinforcing the efforts of mediators like Kofi Annan, and refusing to recognize any government not legitimately established. 50,000 of us have already sent this message to our foreign ministers, and almost all have listened so far. But inside Kenya, hardline leaders are sowing conflict and the country hangs in the balance. President Kibaki and opposition leader Odinga need to hear that international legitimacy will only come after they engage honestly in mediation. To send this message, we’re taking out a full page ad in The Daily Nation, an influential Kenyan newspaper. The ad will list the number of messages we’ve sent to our governments, the more the better — so please, click below to see the ad and send your own message:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/kenya_free_and_fair/98.php?CLICK_TF_TRACK
Kenya depends on international tourism, aid and trade. It’s not too late to help Kenya back from the brink!
Links to the latest news on Kenya -
Marches, violence:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/kenya/story/0,,2242178,00.html
Disputes over mediation:
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801141777.html
Tainted elections:
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801141360.html
(P.S. I got a B in Biology - WOOT!)
