The Future of Reason: From Solo Thinking to Collective Deliberation

In the vast expanse of human cognition lies the remarkable capacity of reasoning, a tool that has allowed us to make countless decisions, solve problems, and adapt to the ever-changing world. But beyond the confines of our individual brains, the mind transcends the boundaries of flesh and neurons, encompassing elements as diverse as wood, stone, steel, and even other people. Through communication, we forge connections, making others extensions of our minds, enabling us to access their memories, perceptions, and knowledge by merely asking. This powerful combination of collective intelligence has propelled our species forward in unprecedented ways.

However, as the world becomes more complex and interconnected, our reliance on technology and the growing magnitude of challenges demand a shift in how we approach reasoning. The evolution of reason now faces novel obstacles and calls for a new paradigm of collective deliberation.

Throughout history, human reasoning has been inherently social, serving as a mechanism to make decisions collectively. Ancient civilizations relied on group discussions and collective wisdom to address critical issues. Yet, with the rise of the digital age, the internet, and social media, lone reasoners have emerged, individuals who justify their viewpoints without engaging in the invaluable process of collective deliberation. The confirmation bias exacerbates this phenomenon, leading people to seek out echo chambers that reinforce their beliefs rather than challenging them.

To navigate the complex landscape of the modern world, it is essential to rekindle the spirit of collective reasoning. One possible solution is to introduce national deliberation days, where citizens come together in small groups to discuss their opinions, share their reasoning, and explore differing viewpoints. This return to small-scale discussions fosters a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and encourages more comprehensive decision-making.

Taking the idea of collective reasoning further, some proponents advocate for a lottocracy - a form of government where decisions are made not by elected officials, but by randomly chosen citizens. By reducing the influence of special interests and giving all citizens an equal chance to participate, a lottocracy aims to ensure decisions are made in the collective interest, promoting the well-being of society as a whole.

As we confront hyperobjects, challenges so complex and far-reaching that they require coordinated efforts to address effectively, the value of collective action and genuine collaboration becomes evident. Hyperobjects like climate change demand a united front - a collective application of reason to tackle issues that transcend national boundaries.

In this pursuit of collective reasoning, we can draw inspiration from the roots of democracy, where lotteries were used to fill political positions in Ancient Athens. A lottocracy empowers ordinary citizens to actively participate in decision-making, promoting diverse perspectives and reducing the influence of entrenched interests. By encouraging this inclusive approach, we foster a society where reason is applied to address challenges head-on, leaving a lasting impact on the generations to come.

As philosopher Timothy Morton reminds us, we are the ancients of the future. The lessons we impart through the application of reason will reverberate through time, shaping the course of history for generations yet to come. By embracing the collective wisdom of the crowd and incorporating reason into our decision-making processes, we lay the foundation for a more harmonious and sustainable future. Let us strive to be the generation that paves the way for progress, knowing that future minds will one day look back on our efforts and be inspired by our cooperative spirit. For it is through the power of collective reasoning that we can navigate the labyrinthine challenges of the future, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of history.