This proposal calls for the World Academy to embark on an inter-disciplinary dialogue regarding the origins, nature and role of individuality in human development and social evolution. The project spans diverse fields including the physical and biological sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities. The forum can explore the rudimentary manifestation of individuality among lower forms of life, the conditions and process of its progressive emergence in humanity, the role of the individual in humanity’s social, political, artistic and intellectual creativity, and the implications of growing individuality for the world’s future.
Issues
A partial list of topics for discussion can include
• Uniqueness and Individuality in material nature • Uniqueness and Individuality in the animal kingdom
• Psychological theories and conceptions of individuality • The relationship between individuality, consciousness and free will
• The relationship between individuality, social change and human development •
• Historical patterns in the emergence and expression of individuality Variations in individuality between societies and cultures
• Implications of individuality for the future of education
• Individuality and artistic creativity • Individuality in world literature • Individuality and intellectual discovery
• The role of individuality in science
• Its role in spirituality and religion
Proposal
The Academy can launch a global exploration of the broad issue of individuality and its various expressions and implications in the arts, sciences and practical life. This proposal envisions the following methodology:
1. Establish an internet forum for Individuality with defined topics for exploration. Fellows can be identified or volunteers enlisted to moderate the discussion on each topic.
2. Invite eminent thinkers from within outside the academy to contribute thoughtful preliminary statements on various aspects of the issue.
3. Open the forum to discussion and further contributions by all Fellows.
4. Invite other individuals and organizations -- academic, artistic, professional and business – to participate and contribute. For example, the psychological aspects of individuality may be explored in association with a leading university or psychological institute.
5. 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.
6. Once a considerable body of thought has accumulated, the moderators can interact to define a set of core issues for further discussion.
7. Live workshops can be held of active participants to refine the issues and enrich the discussion.
8. Ultimately the Academy’s findings can be published by WAAS or submitted to leading journals to stimulate wider discussion of this issue.
Role of Individuality
I like Ashok's idea, which I would assume includes the issue of what modes of education, from elementary school to professional business, science and engineering, etc., can best promote the philosophical/moral and technological traits that will be essential to meeting current and future challenges to civilized life.