Technosphere

A Technosphere is a planetary-scale complex system that integrates biological and technological elements.

• Context:
  • It can represent an evolutionary extension of the Biosphere.
  • It can (typically) involve the integration of Life and Technology on a planetary scale.
  • It can (often) be seen as a continuation of biological evolution through technological advancements.
  • It can range from being an Immature Technosphere characterized by unchecked technological growth to a Mature Technosphere where technology and biosphere are harmonized for sustainability.
  • It can involve feedback loops between Technological Activities and Biogeochemical Systems.
  • It can represent a form of Planetary Intelligence that encompasses collective cognitive processes at a global scale.
  • It can challenge traditional views by framing technology as a natural progression of life's Informational Processes and Evolutionary Processes.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • Technosphere, 2000BC, includes early human technological developments like the invention of the wheel, metallurgy, and irrigation systems, integrating technology with agricultural practices and societal structures.
  • Technosphere, 0AD, includes aqueducts, road networks, and large-scale architectural projects, showing technology's significant impact on societal development and environmental interaction.
  • Technosphere, 2000AD, includes technological advancements such as the internet, global communication networks, and space exploration technologies, illustrates technology's deep integration with every aspect of life and the global ecosystem.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Technological System, which operates independently of biological feedback loops.
  • Biospheres, where life forms have not yet developed complex technologies.
  • Noospheres, ...
• See: Planetary Intelligence, Evolutionary Biology, Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability

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References

2024

• (Walker & Fridman, 2024) ⇒ Sara Walker, and Lex Fridman. (2024). "Sara Walker: Physics of Life, Time, Complexity, and Aliens.” Lex Fridman Podcast #433. YouTube.
  • NOTES:
    1. The Modern Technosphere: Describes the technosphere as the largest object in time in the universe that we know about.
    2. Technology as Evolution: Suggests modern technology is a continuation of life’s evolutionary process, deeply integrated into life's systemic structure.

2023

• (Gardels, 2023) ⇒ Nathan Gardels. (2023). "From Biosphere To Technosphere: Technology emerges from the lineage of life on Earth." In: Noema Magazine, May 12, 2023.
  • NOTE:
    • It discusses how technology continues the evolutionary history of life on Earth.
    • It emphasizes that human technologies have been extensions of biological innovations for over 3.8 billion years.
    • It argues that societal functions and technological advancements are deeply rooted in evolutionary processes.
    • It highlights the interconnected nature of biological and technological systems in generating new forms of intelligence.
    • It envisions the evolution of global technological systems as an extension of human cognitive capabilities to a planetary scale.

2018

• (Herrmann-Pillath, 2018) ⇒ Carsten Herrmann-Pillath. (2018). "The Case for a New Discipline: Technosphere Science.” In: Ecological Economics, Volume 149, Pages 212-225.
  • NOTE: It proposes the establishment of technosphere science as a new discipline to study the complex interactions within the technosphere.

2017

• (Zalasiewicz et al., 2017) ⇒ Jan Zalasiewicz, Mark Williams, Colin N. Waters, Anthony D. Barnosky, John Palmesino, Ann-Sofi Rönnskog, Matt Edgeworth, et al. (2017). "Scale and Diversity of the Physical Technosphere: A Geological Perspective.” In: The Anthropocene Review, Volume 4, Issue 1, Pages 9-22.
  • NOTE: It examines the material scope and diversity of the technosphere from a geological standpoint, emphasizing the extensive impact of human activities on Earth.

2013

• (Johansson et al., 2013) ⇒ Nils Johansson, Joakim Krook, Mats Eklund, and Björn Berglund. (2013). "An Integrated Review of Concepts and Initiatives for Mining the Technosphere: Towards a New Taxonomy.” In: Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 55, Pages 35-44.
  • NOTE: It provides an overview of various concepts and initiatives for extracting resources from the technosphere, aiming to develop a new classification system for these efforts.

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