Abstract
The CGD is a genealogy of concepts that aims to map thought through time and reveal the structure of the evolution of concepts, meanings and values. Correctly done, this will reveal the nature of the radical continuities and discontinuities both within and between cultures, and provide an instrument of considerable value for inter-cultural diplomacy.
“The historical sense involves a perception, not only of the pastness of the past, but of its presence” — T.S. Eliot
The World Ethical Data Foundation works to bring about understanding and collaboration between people and institutions of all perspectives, traditions, and cultures, in relation to questions around knowledge technologies and freedom. We therefore prioritise the exploration and development of more effective ways for such understanding and collaboration to occur.
The CGD is an ambitious two-phase project. Phase 1 is intended to make available the history of thought (eventually of all traditions and cultures) so that it can be brought to bear upon questions which are increasingly determinant of humanity’s common future. In phase 2, the approach will be extended to a genealogy of concepts, attempting to map thought through time to reveal the structure of the history of the evolution of concepts, meanings and values. Correctly done this will reveal the existence and nature of the radical continuities, as well as the radical discontinuities and points of tension, both within and between cultures. The hope is that this will provide an instrument of considerable value for inter-cultural diplomacy.
[to be updated]