Techno-Cultural Evolution: Cycles of Creation and Conflict [Hardcover]

In this book, the author proposes that human culture evolves in a similar manner to the evolutionary process and that it is linked inextricably to technology hence the title.

Using the framework (FROCA) of evolutionary biologists to explain how human and organisational culture evolves in steps akin to the punctuated equilibrium model in evolution. This is explored in the context of how it explains the transitions from band (hunter-gatherer) --> to tribe (small nomadic herders or sedentary agricultural communities) --> cheifdom --> state etc.

The primary thesis of the book is that this transition is inevitable as new technologies are used to deal with emerging difficulties which then alters the roles and functions of people in the group.

The process is explained as follows:
F - Frontier state- a new opportunity for man such as the megafauna in the US, Australia New Zealand
R - Release - man takes up the presented opportunity with vigour
O - Overexploitation - man overuses the resource be it fish, land, or over produces a technological niche product
C - Crash - the system crashes,
A - Adaptation - the system painfully adapts to the crash and new opportunities or frontiers are looked for

The first 4 steps are periods of change and innovation, whilst the last is a period (often long) of equilibrium.

In the book many interesting examples are used to illustrate the theory, probably the most poignant being the role stable groups at each stage (tribe, state etc) in sustaining stability by restricting innovation and change. Those in power like to keep the 'status quo' and maintain the social order - i.e. 'don;t rock the boat'.

It takes a crash for further social and technological to occur. Some interesting examples explored are the change from the Roman empire through the dark ages (which I wish was in more detail), as well as the rise of Islam and also the rise of democracy, and intercontinental empires. Also of interest is his explanation of how the foundation of the New World (USA) with a protestant work ethic that valued all being equal, Bill of rights to protect innovation and the innovator have created a continual accelerating FROCA process which has created a Super Power.

He finishes the book with two 'where to now?' chapters. With modernisation and IT now creating a global problems - what techno-cultural evolution will arise to solve these problems? Chaos? A one world government? Tribalism?

This is an interesting and informative read, overall it needed far more detailed referencing. Many sections where commentaries on history or the causes/explanation of historic events which needed support from references - I found my-self wondering where all the super-numerals where so that I could check it out further to see if it was true (there were some references but not enough). Better referencing would have bumped this up to five stars.

There is Notes section at the back with references - however it seems that most of these are works of a handful of others mainly Jared Diamond, Tim Flannery, Cameron and Neal, Paul Erlich and his own work.

From the preface onward, I was hooked. The author establishes a thoughtful framework (FROCA) for analyzing cultural evolution. I find it to be an indispensable tool for thinking about the "war on terror", its causes, and potential impacts.

› Go to Amazon.com to see both reviews  4.5 out of 5 stars