Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M2774

Gaia Hypothesis

Gaia Hypothesis
SystemsHigh supportSystems Theory
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Earth is not just a rock, but a self-regulating superorganism (Gaia). The biosphere, atmosphere, oceans, and soil work together to maintain an environment suitable for life (such as oxygen concentration, temperature), just as animals regulate body temperature.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Planetary-scale life perspective. - Do not view the environment as a passive resource pool, but as a living system. Humans are not masters of the Earth, but a type of cell in the Gaia system (possibly immune cells or cancer cells). If we disrupt Gaia's homeostasis, the system will eliminate us like a virus to restore balance.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Lovelock: Earth's biosphere and non-living parts are coupled as a self-regulating superorganism, maintaining habitability.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaia_hypothesisZH · Explicit
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