14 Organizing Principals

The following table suggests an evolution of key principles of how society has been organized in the Industrial Age and how we expect these principles to morph as society becomes more complex, integrated and constantly changing. These undergird the basis for the idea of a need for a Second Enlightenment.

First
Enlightenment
Second
Enlightenment
Molecular
Society

Independent

(Either/Or)

Interdependent

(And/Both)
Systemic
Self-interest


Help
Each Other Succeed
Concomitant

Good
Linear
Thinking
Connective
Thinking
Synthesis
& Generation
Static
Structures
Modules,
Webs and Networks
Dynamic
Adaptability
Reductionism
Holism Connective
Analysis
Standard
Education and Accountability
Unlearning,
Uplearning and Non-Linear
Transformative
Learning
Meaning
from Materialism

Meaning from Creativity/Spiritualism
Balance
of Values
Competition
Collaboration
Generative
Development
Prediction
and Certainty
Anticipation
and Ambiguity
Parallel
Strategic and

Ecological

Planning
Culture
Dumbed Down
Culture
Constantly Upgraded
Elegance
in Complexity
Mix
of Goodness and Skepticism
Integration
of Reason and Mystery
Truth
and Discovery Coexistent
Debate Dialogue

Futures Generative

Dialogue
One
Best Answer
Choices

Concept of Applied

Appropriateness
Representative
Democracy
Electronic
Republic
Knowledge
Democracy