Knowledge Spheres in the News

Social Sphere

[The social knowledge sphere addresses the associations and living arrangements among individuals and groups in society.  Focus is on the social activity dynamics among individuals, organizations and institutions. Major emphasis is on education, learning, culture, human relations, and interpersonal communication and media.] 

An article on "Falling Fertility" in The Economist (Oct 31, 2009) states that Sometime between 2020 and 2050 the world's fertility rate will fall below the global replacement rate.   Read More ...

Economic Sphere

[The economic knowledge sphere concerns the production, development and management of income and wealth. Focus is on the production and distribution of goods and services. Primary emphasis is on business management, financial management, and social systems economic development.] 

The Economist Magazine (December 12th-18th) headlines that "Toyota Slips Up: Where the world's biggest carmaker went wrong, and what it is learning from other corporate turnarounds." The foundation for their assessment is author Jim Collins latest book entitled: "How the Mighty Fall."  Read More ...
  
Political Sphere                                                                                                                                                                                                  [The political knowledge sphere deals with the study, structure, or affairs of government, politics, or the state. Focus is on citizenship, governance, foreign policy, political and cultural choices, and national defense.] 

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-78), a product of the Enlightenment period, is the author of The Social Contract (or Principles of the Political Right). One of his most notable quotes is: "Man was born free, and is everywhere in chains."  Read More ...

Technological Sphere

[The technological knowledge sphere concerns the application of scientific methods and tools to societal activities.  Emphasis here is on the study, development, and application of scientific methods and materials to achieve societal objectives. Major focus is on biotechnology, information technology, and materials technology.]  

The book written by Frances Cairncross entitled The Death of Distance postulates  extrordinary world changes as information technology becomes more pervasive.  Read More ...

Ecological Sphere

[The ecological knowledge sphere concerns the relationships between organisms, their environments and the goal of sustainable habitats. Emphasis is on the life processes and characteristic phenomena of living organisms. Focus is on bio-system management, energy production, population and  demographics, and the availability of food and health services.] 

The authors of the Millennium Project, 2009 State of the Future, ask: How can growing energy demands be met safely and efficiently? Here is what they have to say:   Read More ...

Geographical Sphere

[The geographical knowledge sphere concerns the preservation of geographical, physical and continental regions of the entire earth.  Emphasis is on international issues and relationships concerning nation-states’ territorial boundaries and conflicts, population and immigration challenges, and property ownership and resource rights.] 

The authors of the Millennium Project, 2009 State of the Future, ask: How can population growth and resources and balance? Here is what they have to say:   Read More ...