RATIONALE
Individuality plays the same role in social evolution that gene mutation plays in biological evolution. Individual creativity and originality are the origin of all social progress. By generating new ideas, envisioning new possibilities, adopting new behaviors and embracing new attitudes, the individual plays a crucial role in the development and evolution of society. Revolutionary ideas, discoveries, organizations, products, and technologies are first conceived in the mind of one or a few individuals, passionately advocated by a few courageous pioneers, put into action by political leaders, entrepreneurs and social innovators and then gradually accepted by the society-at-large.
Today, society produces more creative individuals than ever before – more original scientists, creative artists and writers, dynamic entrepreneurs and innovative leaders. That is one of the main reasons for the increasing speed of social change in modern times. Humanity strives to promote individuality through human rights, democratic participation, universal education, economic opportunity, social tolerance, freedom of thought and expression, individual innovation and inventiveness. The individual is one who acts according to an inner frame of reference rather than in order to conformity to with external standards or value systems. Individuality as used here is not to be confused with egoism, selfishness, independence or indifference to social welfare.
The accelerating pace of social development in the 21st Century necessitates that society acquire the capacity to adapt, respond and innovate more rapidly and creatively, without being encumbered by outdated ideas and outmoded ways of action. This can be aided by greater attention to the central role of individuality, its origin and constitution, the process by which it develops and acts on the collective, and – most importantly – the measures that can be taken to promote the development of individuality as a means of enhancing global society’s capacity for creative and intelligent adaptation.
Both the eminence and diversity of its membership uniquely qualifies the World Academy to lead a global exploration of this crucial issue and invite both Fellows and a wider general public to contribute to the discussion. Furthering thought and dialogue on individuality can be of immense value to the future of science, education, governance and enterprise.
SCOPE
The project spans diverse fields including
1. Discovery & Innovation – the role of individuality in original thinking, scientific discovery, and technological innovation.
2. Art & Literature – sources, expressions and means to promote creativity.
3. Social sciences – the role of the individual in psychological, social and political development, the social factors responsible and the implications of growing individuality for the world’s future.
4. Thought – the role of individuality in original thinking, philosophy, philosophy of science, religion and spirituality.
5. Business – role of individuality in entrepreneurship and leadership in business.
6. Biological sciences – the origins of individuality in lower life forms and the conditions and process of its progressive emergence in humanity.
7. Physical sciences – the origins of uniqueness in physical Nature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
1. Establish an Internet Forum for the project.
2. Conduct an inter-disciplinary dialogue regarding the origins, nature and role of individuality as it relates to Art, Science, human development and social evolution.
3. Invite contributions from Fellows as well as 200 other eminent artists, writers, scientists, educators, business and social leaders.
4. Collaborate with other organizations to conduct research on theories of individuality and personal examples from different fields.
5. Invite university students to submit essays on the themes of the conference.
6. Conduct seminars and conference sessions in collaboration with other organizations to examine the conclusions of the e-conference.
7. Summarize forum discussion in periodic articles in the WAAS newsletter.
8. Present the findings at the next General Assembly.
9. Publish and disseminate the conclusions in reputed journals and/or peer reviewed WAAS publications.
QUALIFICATION UNDER WAAS PROGRAM CRITERIA
1. Global Reach – The project addresses an issue of greatest importance to the future of science and society.
2. Integrated Approach – The project seeks to examine and integrate perspectives from a wide range of fields including virtually all fields of art, science and other professions represented by the Academy. This project is a natural complement to the project on Limits to Rationality, since the capacity for objective thinking unimpaired by social convention is one characteristics of individuality.
3. Theoretical Contribution – The Project has the potential of making a theoretical contribution to our understanding of Individuality as well as evolving insights into how individuality can be fostered in and through the educational system.
4. Uniqueness – The project is original and unique and leverages the unique characteristics of the Academy’s membership and interests to address an issue that is not being comprehensively addressed by any other organization.
5. Collaboration – The project envisions collaboration involving Fellows, non-fellows and organizations from different fields interested in this issue.
6. On-going Activity – The project will generate an on-going activity which can engage Fellows and generate content for periodic reports in the WAAS newsletter.
7. Visibility – By inviting collaboration and participation from non-Fellow experts, other organizations, universities and perhaps even students, the Academy can significantly increase its public visibility.
PROJECT STRUCTURE
1. Establish a small committee of interested Fellows & collaborating organizations to direct the project.
2. Identify one or several institutions to collaborate with the Academy on this project
a. The Mother’s Service Society (MSS) is willing to undertake research for the project and provide support for management of the forum.
b. WAAS Trustee Alberto Zucconi, President of Person Centred Approach Institute (IACP), has expressed interest in disseminating awareness and involvement among psychologists.
3. Appoint a moderator for each discussion topic. Moderators will be asked to prepare quarterly summary statements highlighting important questions and insights which can be hosted on the sight and published in WAAS newsletters.
a. Nominate Junior/Associate Fellows
b. Reseachers from participating organizations
BUDGET ESTIMATE
1. E-forum platform – The forum can be established on WAAS’ existing website at no additional cost. General administrative support will be required from WAAS’ virtual office for technical administration of forums, assistance to participants, interactions with Fellows and non-Fellows, and mailings to promote project visibility. The total estimated cost will be $2500 for the year. This amount may be reduced if several similar e-projects are being implemented simultaneously.
2. Forum Moderators – may be contributed by participating/sponsoring organizations or on voluntary basis by Junior Fellows.
3. Research – to be contributed by participating/sponsoring organizations
4. Seminars, Conferences & Publications – These may be undertaken with funds obtained from collaborating organizations or other sources.
ISSUES FOR RESEARCH & DISCUSSION
1. Definition of Individuality and its distinction from other human characteristics
2. The relationship between individuality, social change and human development
3. Variations in individuality between societies and cultures
4. Psychological theories and conceptions of individuality
5. Implications of individuality for the future of education
6. Individuality and artistic creativity
7. The role of individuality in science
8. Individuality and intellectual discovery
9. Individuality in world literature
10. The role of Individuality in spirituality and religion
11. Uniqueness and Individuality in the animal kingdom
12. Uniqueness and Individuality in material nature
13. Historical patterns in the emergence and expression of individuality
14. The role of Individuality in biological and social evolution
15. The relationship between individuality, consciousness and free will
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