Living Together Research Proposal

Update

Simplify and condense threads of inquiry into

Transition from current and possible strategies

--Milan 14:11, 24 Mar 2007 (NZST)

"Living Together" is a research project which will address the following question:

On planet Earth, can we live as one human race (or family) in peace, equality and abundance?

We will begin with the scenario of a world united in peace. Addressing diversity, choices and economic, social and environmental sustainability. In essence, what does "The Good Future" look and feel like?

This overarching question is sub-divided into the the following lines of inquiry:

Philosophical Foundations

What would be the goals and values of a unified human race?

Universal values vs cultural values.

Unity is an underlying feeling or values foundation, however cultural values in combination with the political construct of nation-states lead to an emphasis of what separates us, often leading to alienation and conflict. However, at the core of the philosophical foundations of most cultures lies an acknowledgment of certain universal values which go beyond culture. The Golden Rule for instance is referenced by the Old Testament, I Ching, and other ancient scriptures. A summary of universal principles based on fundamental teachings of philosophical and spiritual movements (Ba Gua, Muslim, Christian) will be provided. The adoption of said universal principles allow the individual to understand what we humans have in common and develop a global consciousness.

Regarding the relationship of individuals with society.

The goal is a system which supports the unfolding of unique, individual human potential in a way that benefits society. It will be discussed how this issue relates to the question posed by the paper and how it could be addressed.

Socio-economic Structures

Which systems of governance and resource distribution could be used, based on the philosophical foundations to achieve a unified human race?

Discussion of the methods and tools as well as forms of organisation that would be required. What qualities would they have?

Bottom-up integration from the individual with global consciousness to community, region and then global.

Self organisation extending into community, regional and global organisation. This form of organisation leads to the integration of economic, social and political goals in a unified framework. Contrast with top-down national and global institutions, political representation.

How can we transition from our current, fragmented culture to a more harmonious, global culture?

The progressive alignment of people who already have a global consciousness through various forms of cooperation and organisation leading to the development of global culture within the nation-states, world wide. Introducing the platform organisation and sanctuaries for economic sustainability, networks for travel, trade, knowledge exchange. Subsidiarity and higher levels of governance arising organically from this network in parallel with existing systems.

Recommendations

Are there tools or movements in existence already that could be aligned to bring about said framework? The wiki and open source software movement as well as people's movements around the world will be referenced.

The recommendations will point to the implementation of certain principles and the development or refinement of certain tools in order to move toward the scenario described at the beginning. The recommendations will also seek to emphasize what certain existing movements or organisations which are working toward a unified and peaceful world, have in common, allowing said groups to see common ground and develop synergy. The recommendations will be written in such a way that they can be used as a platform for the support and development of aligned projects.