How TZM will help?
In order to create a sustainable and humane social system, TZM proposes 6 core characteristics, or measurable goals, that can bring about solutions for many of the problems we face today. In a RBE you would: have no money or market system, automate labor, utilize a systems approach, have access over property, localize city and production systems, and use science as the methodology for governance (Faq, n.d). Whilst each central characteristic could be extrapolated in detail, a brief synopsis follows.
No Money or Market System
The monetary system is based on “infinite growth” and scarcity which disregards the finite resources of the planet for the sake of profit (Faq, n.d.). It is perpetuates an incentive system that is “corruption generating” creating “crime, wars, financial crimes, labor exploitation, etc.” (Faq, n.d.). Monetary related crimes offenses jail the majority of the prison population (Faq, n.d.). Market System does not wisely manage the Earth’s resources and with globalization, products are imported and exported across the world while polluting the environment (Faq, n.d.). In addition, the production technique of planned obsolescence – in which products are created to breakdown so repeated purchases can continue – is wasteful and insidious (Orientation guide, 2013, pg. 72). An example of this really began in the 1930s when the Phobeus Light Bulb Corporation forced light bulb companies to have light bulbs last 1000 hours when they could have lasted 25,000 hours (Wong, 2012). In a RBE, the highest technological competence will be sought, while taking into consideration abundance, efficiency, and sustainability (Faq, n.d).
Automation of Labor
In 1860, 60% of America worked in agriculture, by 1993 only 3% of the population was employed by the agriculture industry due to automation (Magnet, 1993, pg 52). Thirty-three percent (33%) of U.S. workers were in the manufacturing industry in 1950; in 2002 it declined to 10% (Hagenbaugh, 2002). Bank tellers have been replaced by ATM machines; computerized phone operators substitute for human phone workers; self-service machines have taken the place of post office workers, fast food tellers, and grocery store clerks as an example of technological employment (Orientation guide, 2013, pg.77). This trend is continuing at a rapid pace, leaving many without methods of employment. However, in a RBE, anything related to money is irrelevant, therefore cybernation (automation and computerization) would free human beings from the toils of monotonous labor, and from the perils of unemployment.
Technological Unification of Earth via “Systems” Approach
Resource distribution in a RBE would be accomplished from a full Systems Approach: which is the management of Earth’s resources in which efficiency, conservation, and sustainability are taken into consideration in production and distribution (Faq, n.d.). A full survey of the earth’s resources would be the first step in which each material is analyzed bottom-up, bearing in mind many variables such as renewability and negative environmental impacts that could occur from extraction (Faq, n.d.). Current computer intelligence is able to technologically apply such a method in which human opinion doesn’t influence decisions, but it is calculated by computation (Faq, n.d.).
Access over Property
To meet human needs, access is needed – not ownership; people use things; they do not “own” them (Faq, n.d.). Currently, ownership is used as “a form of controlled restriction, both physically and ideologically” (Faq, n.d.). In a RBE the idea of ownership would transition into everyone having access to resources (Faq, n.d.). Instead of owning a camera, per se, Access Centers would be started in which a person could pick up the camera, use it, and return it, much like a library system (Faq, n.d.). Most importantly, there would be no property crime; because without money, products could not be stolen to own nor sell, especially because everyone has unrestricted access to such products (Faq, n.d.).
Localized City and Production Systems
In our globalized world today, energy and resources are wasted in the transportation of products from all corners of the Earth. Production would be localized as scientifically as possible in a RBE. For example vertical farming could be applied – which is environmentally conscious, has high yields, and could be built in highly populated urban cities (Despommier, 2010). Also, with current 3D printing technologies you can build a house in a day without the need of construction workers (Frearson, 2013). These homes could be highly sufficient and efficient where power is generated within the home using photovoltaic technology that absorbs sunlight (Geodesic Domes, n.d.).
Science as the Methodology for Governance
Decisions in a RBE would occur with the use of the Scientific Method where testing and replication are needed in order to validate findings (Orientation guide, 2013, pg. 13). With this, the Scientific Method would be applied to social concerns. It is important to understand that there is not one single solution to the problems the world faces; but instead, using near empirical Natural Law reasoning, appropriate solutions can be determined for each situation (Orientation guide, 2013, p.20).
The solutions that TZM proposes move away from the current capitalistic monetary system into one of a RBE. Major opposition comes from those who are proponents of capitalism and want to maintain the current status quo. Individuals who have attained a lot of wealth also dispute a RBE due to their belief that they will lose all their money. Much of the criticism has labeled TZM as “utopian”, “conspiracy theorists”, “technocrats”, and as “anti-religious”; due to many of the critiques of establishment religion, monetary systems, and political systems that have been discussed by TZM. Most of the opposition to TZMs ‘radical’ ideals seems to be purely rhetorical, based on fear and anxiety rather than sound scientific consideration.CONTINUE TO PAGE 4