Ancient Greek Thought on Sustainability and Complex Systems

FAIN: FT-248139-16

Mark D. Usher
University of Vermont and State Agricultural College (Burlington, VT 05405-0160)

A book-length study tracing ideas about sustainability and complex systems from the ancient world to today.

Sustainability studies and the field of Complex Systems are often presented as new areas of human endeavor. To the extent that these approaches to understanding and living in the world utilize new technologies and scientific advances, they are indeed new, and important. However, the fundamental tenets of both are rooted in ancient Greek thought and culture. This project—-a book—-traces the trajectory of modern ideas about sustainability and complexity theory back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Its aim is to invigorate and inform current thinking in these areas, and to underscore the extent of the Greco-Roman contribution to these topics of contemporary, global concern.

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