Product Description
This Reader is the first comprehensive history of the noosphere and biosphere. With significant portions of the material appearing here in English for the first time or gathered from inaccessible sources, this Reader offers a unique reference.
From the Back Cover
Literally the sphere of mind or intellect, the noosphere is part of the realm of the possible in human affairs, where there is a conscious effort to tackle global issues. The history of this rich but poorly explored idea has significant contemporary resonance in understanding the evolution of human society and our position in the biosphere (the sphere of life). The noosphere concept captures a number of key contemporary issues social evolution, global ecology, Gaia, deep ecology and global environmental change contributing to ongoing debates concerning the implications of emerging technologies.
This Reader is the first comprehensive history of the noosphere and biosphere. Drawing on classical influences, modern parallels and insights into the future, the Reader traces the emergence of noosphere and biosphere concepts within the context of environmental change. Reproducing material from seminal works, both past and present, key ideas and writings of prominent thinkers are presented, including B
