Module 2 / Lesson 3.1
Arc of History: Humanity’s Progress & Power
This lesson traces humanity’s development from early cooperation to technological revolutions, drawing on material from The Precipice (Ord, pages 11 to 22).
3.1.1 Cooperation and What Makes Humans Unique
- Learning: Read Ord, pages 11 to 13.
- Reflection: Consider how writing, cooperation, and preserved knowledge allow civilizations to build long term memory and avoid repeating past errors.
3.1.2 Three Revolutions: Agriculture, Science, Industry
- Learning: Read Ord, pages 13 to 16.
- Reflection: Reflect on how agricultural, scientific, and industrial transformations amplified human capability. Which revolution had the most lasting impact and why.
3.1.3 Escaping the Malthusian Trap
- Learning:
- Watch The Malthus Video by Mr. Sinn .
- Read Ord, pages 16 to 20.
- Reflection: Consider how progress can simultaneously reduce scarcity and introduce new risks.
3.1.4 Looking Ahead
- Learning: Read Ord, pages 20 to 22.
- Key Idea: Reflect on how accelerating technological change creates both opportunity and risk. What might the next major transition be, and how prepared are we.
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