Deep Structure: What Makes the Present

An encouragement to pay attention to root causes. “The political problem we face is not just about ‘capitalism,’ for this is only a politico-economic system that lies within the ontology. It is also the ontology itself – the broader environment or eco-system within which all other elements of the system exist, down to the microcosmic behaviour of the individual within that system – or the emission of a molecule of carbon… This ontological deficiency is one factor behind the rise of fascism: the failure to recognise and allow expression of fundamental aspects of what it is to be human, fostering a political system for instance that denies our basic need for autonomy and agency, which in turn provokes the intense anger which the Far-right is now busy exploiting.” The good news is that this “ontology can be altered, enriched, transformed both within ourselves and society. Merely changing our understanding, or indeed realising the importance of ontology, becomes a profound political act. This offers some grounds for hope for the possibility of fundamental change.”