The Conceptual Framework

The Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity believes that the two-fold moral purpose of every human being is to develop their latent potentialities through efforts to contribute to the advancement of civilization. At this critical juncture in history, the advancement of civilization entails the construction of a global social order, based on a profound consciousness of the oneness of humanity, in which justice is the central organizing principle, and the well-being and prosperity of all peoples is pursued.

The Institute further believes that, in order to be effective, all efforts to promote the advancement of a just, sustainable, and prosperous global civilization will need to be informed by the best insights of both science and religion – which can be viewed as complementary systems of knowledge and practice that are each continually evolving. Only when the spiritual and material dimensions of reality are approached in a coherent manner will true progress be achieved. This, the Institute believes, can only be accomplished through the knowledge generated by both science and religion.

In this context, the systematic generation of knowledge and insight about the advancement of civilization ultimately requires the articulation of a coherent yet evolving conceptual framework that can guide and inform such efforts. Toward this end, the Institute is collaborating with individuals and groups from diverse cultures and backgrounds around the world in order to identify and refine core elements of such a framework. As it advances along this path, the Institute is beginning to explore the following questions, among others:

• How can a coherent yet evolving conceptual framework be developed for contributing to discourses that are aimed at bringing about positive social transformation?
• What do science and religion each have to contribute to this framework, as complementary systems of knowledge and practice?
• How can such a framework be generated in a way that draws on the insights and experiences of diverse individuals and groups?
• How can such a framework be systematically advanced and refined over time?
• How can its impact on social thought and practice be gauged?
• How can capacity be fostered in individuals and groups seeking to contribute to contemporary discourses within such a framework?