The Future of Humanity: A System Approach

It is tempting to believe that humanity will endure forever, despite the many challenges facing our planet. However, these challenges are deeply interconnected, involving conflicting interests and forming complex systems that resist simple solutions. Historically, reductionist approaches—focused on linear cause-and-effect relationships—have failed to provide effective solutions. This course takes a systems-oriented approach, emphasizing both depth and breadth in understanding global challenges. Students gain an appreciation for the complexity of today's most intractable problems, develop strategies for navigating an uncertain future, and think critically about how to design systemic solutions for the betterment of humanity. Designed for students from diverse backgrounds, this course introduces foundational concepts such as complexity, systems mapping, design, foresight, and coalition-building. Discussions focus on pressing global issues, including artificial intelligence and its effect of humanity, sustainability, climate change, epidemics, inequality, human displacement, and the availability of essential materials for civilization. Through critical analysis of trends and current events, students engage in informed debates that could influence humanity's future. Working in small groups, they apply forward-looking analysis techniques to create comprehensive frameworks that integrate economic, political, technical, ethical, and social perspectives. This process helps identify potential unintended consequences and roadblocks, equipping students with the tools to address complex challenges effectively. Students may not take both CSCI E-138 and ISMT E-138 (offered previously) for degree or certificate credit.