Content of Learning Activity

Many beliefs in scientific models, in the role of technological advances, our dreams and expectations, are related to "visions of the world", which we inherit and continue building throughout life. As a result of these dynamics, visions change. Here, we explain how different scientific "visions of the world" emerged with time, and how they influenced the society. Then, we expose an ecological interpretation of the success of Mankind, which relativizes the role of technological and social advances: we follow the human being in his conquest of natural resources, and of the knowledge necessary to use them; we analyze the nature and properties of growth, and the possible consequences for the future of Mankind; we analyze the energetic and climatic constraints that are present in our society. We then expose possible evolution of the scientific research to solve current challenges, via transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches. 

Required Learning Resources/Tools

Not applicable

Recommended Learning Resources/Tools

Not applicable

Other Recommended Reading

T. S. Kuhn, La structure des révolutions scientifiques 
W. R. Catton, Overshoot, the Ecological Basis of Revolutionary Change 
D. Meadows, J. Randers, and D. Meadows, Limits to Growth: the 30-year update 
M. K. Hubbert, Techniques of Prediction with Application to the Petroleum Industry
M. K. Hubbert, On the Nature of Growth
 

Mode of delivery

• Face-to-face

Type of Teaching Activity/Activities

• Cours magistraux

Evaluations

The assessment methods of the Learning Activity (AA) are specified in the course description of the corresponding Educational Component (UE)