Evolutionary theory and the new modernity: The polyphony of meanings in shaping the future

Abstract

The work explores the challenges of applying evolutionary theory to the development of strategies for shaping the future, highlighting its heuristic potential and the multiplicity of meanings involved in defining the contours of a new civilisation. It regards the new civilisation as a milieu for the conservation and prospective transmission of cultural and civilisational heritage. The author argues that changes in human activity inevitably entail cultural transformation, which typically arises from a re-evaluation of the fundamental meanings of human existence and values. Such changes, however, cannot be imported from outside; they must develop within the frame work of the existing civilisation. Culture encapsulates humanity’s historical experience of civilisational development. The article emphasises that, under current conditions, humanity faces a choice: either to align socio-economic development with the laws of the biosphere through a coevolutionary strategy for the interaction between society and nature, or to risk self-destruction. This requires rethinking civilizational development. It also requires overcoming entrenched stereotypes in the understanding of “civilizational theory” and “civilizational development”. Furthermore, it means identifying growth points for a new civilization. Finally, it requires reflecting on the role of Russian civilization, whose construction is unfinished. In this context, contemporary evolutionary theory is complemented by a coevolutionary strategy. This strategy establishes new directions for human activity and proposes ecological regulations for the management of natural resources and social organisation. It also affirms the values of biospheric ecological ethics, which are aimed at sustaining, protecting and expanding life while enhancing its diversity.