From: jimruttshow8596
Protopian narratology is a philosophical discipline developed by Alexander Bard and Jan Sjunnesson as part of their “Grand Narrative Trilogy” [04:25:00]. It focuses on the various kinds of stories humans tell about themselves and each other [04:47:00], distinguishing between different narrative forms and their purposes [04:52:00].
Core Concepts
The framework identifies three key types of narratives:
- Logos The “truth as a fact,” representing what actually happened [08:47:00]. Logos is considered coherent [51:28:00].
- Mythos How humans tell stories about facts, incorporating imagination and fantasy to define what it means to be human [08:51:00]. Mythos is invented and projected onto history and future fantasies [09:10:00], and is also considered coherent [51:30:00].
- Pathos The “pathical narrative” is inherently incoherent [51:35:00]. It encompasses stories about sex, violence, the subconscious, human drives, desires, rivalry, and envy [51:40:00]. Pathos is a fundamental part of humanity and the world, and must be dealt with rather than suppressed, as attempts to ban it (like in Christianity and Islam) lead to explosive returns [52:00:00]. Tantra in Eastern philosophy is cited as a method for engaging with pathos [52:03:00]. Sex, art, and violence are placed in the category of pathos, as they are never harmonious or balanced and represent powerful, “pharmacon” forces that must be actively dealt with [52:46:00].
Distinguishing Ethos
Ethos, while related, is not considered a narrative in itself [53:10:00]. Instead, it represents “what is the right thing to do” [53:15:00], functioning as pure ethics distinct from morality [53:20:00]. Ethos is a result of the other narratives [55:53:00].
Protopianism: A Contrast to Utopian and Dystopian Thinking
Protopianism emerges as a critical alternative to traditional utopian and dystopian thinking [21:00:00].
Critique of Dualism and Utopianism
Western philosophy, particularly from Plato onward, became “stuck with dualism” [25:05:00], separating the physical world from spirit [23:26:00]. This dualistic worldview, prevalent in Christianity and Islam, promises an afterlife and offers a “cheap way out,” often serving as an “engine for feudal tyranny” [21:47:00].
Utopian ideas originate from this dualist perspective [23:17:17]. A perfect world, according to Plato, cannot undergo change, as any change would render it imperfect; thus, it must be a “dead world” [24:50:00]. This thinking is deemed dangerous, exemplified by figures like Pol Pot, whose PhD was on Rousseau and who subsequently engaged in horrific acts to achieve a “perfect” society [26:34:00]. Such leaders, described as “boy pharaohs,” narcissistically seek to “save the world from itself” [27:26:00].
Rejecting Dystopianism
Similarly, dystopian worldviews, which predict a horrible world leading to armageddon, are criticized for creating false narratives [26:11:00].
Embracing Protopianism
Protopianism, in contrast, means tearing down and rebuilding the world every day, continuously seeking slight improvements in its construction [25:21:00]. This approach allows for gradual, ongoing optimization [36:39:00]. While “leaps” can occur, they are often recognized in hindsight [25:47:00].
This concept aligns with the monist worldview, emphasizing that “everything in the world is dependent on everything else” [22:25:00], where even mind and matter are expressions of the same reality [22:41:00]. This perspective links to Spinoza, Leibniz, Hegel, and Nietzsche, and resonates strongly with Eastern philosophy (e.g., Daoism, Zoroastrianism) [23:02:00].
Implications for Societal Design and Progress
Protopianism offers a framework for building new societal models:
Voluntary Communism and Implotation
The “Game B” movement is described as protopian, seeking a “voluntary communism” where communities experiment with alternative lifestyles [29:47:00]. This involves a shift from “exploitation” (Game A) to “implotation,” where resources are only used if they can be returned [09:42:00]. This idea acknowledges that game A had benefits, like modern dentistry, but its fundamental flaw was the lack of brakes on exponential growth in a finite world [12:06:00].
The goal is to increase human well-being while decreasing material inputs, with a suggested “three-three transition” (well-being up by a factor of three, material inputs down by a factor of three) [31:26:00]. This can be achieved by investing in commons and community, incorporating regular holidays, and engaging in activities like singing and exercising to boost serotonin and reduce addiction [31:42:00].
The Role of Membranes and Protocols
Protopian communities must operate with “membranes,” allowing individuals to “walk in and walk out” freely [33:04:00]. This voluntary nature prevents totalitarianism, which forces inclusion [33:17:00]. These membranes are semi-permeable, requiring effort to enter or exit, mirroring biological membranes [38:43:00].
Communities within these membranes can adopt “protocols,” which are shared standards that determine how the community operates [47:14:00]. Unlike rigid laws, protocols are designed to be copied and shared, facilitating communication and cooperation between different communities [47:17:00]. Examples include communal agreements on technology use, such as banning smartphones for children within a community to mitigate negative social externalities [41:58:00].
Societal Evolution through Anarchy and Plurality
Technological disruptions initially lead to anarchy [43:40:00]. This then shifts into a “plurality,” where certain individuals or groups (an “elite”) figure out how to properly use the new technology to their advantage [43:49:00]. Their successful models can then be mimicked by others, leading to a new order out of chaos [44:26:00].
The Future and Existence
The “Symbiotic Intelligence” is favored over “artificial intelligence” (AI), recognizing technology’s inherent link to humans [06:29:00]. The ultimate goal is to ensure technology works in humanity’s favor before self-extinction, particularly given the existence of destructive technologies like the atomic bomb [06:05:00].
The possibility that humanity might be the “first and only general intelligence in the universe” is considered [15:24:00], raising questions related to the Fermi Paradox [14:51:00]. This unique position, supported by transfinite mathematics [15:33:00], implies a responsibility to ensure humanity’s long-term survival, which may involve fewer people living longer through implotative practices [16:09:00]. Exploration of space, while potentially important in the long term, is currently seen as a rehash of “exploitative ideas” if Earth’s problems are not addressed first [14:01:00].