Desirable Unknown

Desirable Unknown

In our shared future, there are potentials we know are possible, but there are also unknowns, potentials we have not yet considered. The distinction between the knowable and the unknowable is at the heart of philosophy. In Chinese philosophy, for the Taoist, the universe is fundamentally unknowable and yet, holding the paradox, we can come to know it better and glimpse the Way in experiences Japanese traditions call satori. In more European oriented philosophy, Socrates is famous for the idea that 'all we can know is that we do not know' though his life is itself a way through the unknown. The reason this paradox is at the heart of our search for meaning is because within parameters of the unknown, there are unknowns which are desirable and those which are not. Here, we find ways to orient towards more desirable unknowns for our living planet, and in so doing, ride the paradox of trying to know what is unknowable, or what is only knowable if it occurs. Hosted by Andrea Hiott. https://www.youtube.com/@DesirableUnknown desirableunknown.substack.com

Episodes

  1. Doughnut Economics with Andrew Fanning

    05/02/2025

    Doughnut Economics with Andrew Fanning

    Economics for Everyone: Exploring the Doughnut Model with Andrew Fanning Andrea hosts Andrew Fanning so as to delve into the transformative principles of doughnut economics. Andrew discusses the impactful work of Kate Raworth and their work together at the Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL), focusing on the need to shift from traditional 20th-century economic models to a more holistic approach that prioritizes sustainability and social equity. This episode explores why economics matters, how the doughnut model redefines economic goals, and the importance of visualizing data to inspire change. Andrew also shares his personal journey into ecological economics and the critical research he leads in reshaping our understanding of global economic systems. #ecological #economics #donut #doughnuteconomics #kateraworth #andrewfanning #andreahiott 00:00 Introduction and Excitement 00:21 Understanding the Doughnut Model 00:57 21st Century Economics vs. Traditional Models 02:31 Circular Flow Model and Its Limitations 06:10 Ecological Economics and Herman Daly's Influence 22:36 The Doughnut's Visual Framework 31:06 Challenges and Future Directions 36:46 Diving into Ecological Economics 37:11 Understanding the Difference: Ecological vs. Environmental Economics 14:16 Personal Journey: From Economics to Ecological Economics 41:03 Cultural Influences and Early Life Experiences 45:31 Academic Pursuits and Discovering Ecological Economics 50:12 The Impact of Ecological Economics 50:45 Career Path and Contributions to Ecological Economics 01:01:46 The Role of Visualization in Ecological Economics 01:10:55 Final Thoughts and Reflections The 7 principles of doughnut economics: https://pg-online.leeds.ac.uk/blogs/what-is-doughnut-economics/ Compensation for Atmospheric Appropriation with Jason Hickel: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-023-01130-8 Kate Raworth: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kate_Raworth The Doughnut Economics Book: https://www.amazon.com/Doughnut-Economics-Seven-21st-Century-Economist/dp/1603586741 Good Life for All: https://goodlife.leeds.ac.uk/national-snapshots/countries/ Tipping Point Podcast: https://tippingpoint-podcast.com/ Doughnut Economic Action Lab (DEAL): https://doughnuteconomics.org/ Eleanor Ostrom: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/economic-sciences/2009/ostrom/facts/ Rachel Carson: https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/rachel-carson Herman Daly: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herman_Daly Economics of Coming Spaceship Earth paper: http://arachnid.biosci.utexas.edu/courses/THOC/Readings/Boulding_SpaceshipEarth.pdf This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit desirableunknown.substack.com

    1h 18m

About

In our shared future, there are potentials we know are possible, but there are also unknowns, potentials we have not yet considered. The distinction between the knowable and the unknowable is at the heart of philosophy. In Chinese philosophy, for the Taoist, the universe is fundamentally unknowable and yet, holding the paradox, we can come to know it better and glimpse the Way in experiences Japanese traditions call satori. In more European oriented philosophy, Socrates is famous for the idea that 'all we can know is that we do not know' though his life is itself a way through the unknown. The reason this paradox is at the heart of our search for meaning is because within parameters of the unknown, there are unknowns which are desirable and those which are not. Here, we find ways to orient towards more desirable unknowns for our living planet, and in so doing, ride the paradox of trying to know what is unknowable, or what is only knowable if it occurs. Hosted by Andrea Hiott. https://www.youtube.com/@DesirableUnknown desirableunknown.substack.com