Conclusion

Development beyond Science to Wisdom (Part #13)

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The preoccupation of this paper has been with the conditions necessary to move beyond current forms of dialogue and discourse in order to facilitate the emergence of what has traditionally been termed 'wisdom'. This unfashionable term is at present only reflected in what is called in French a 'Conseil des Sages' - a structure which is used very rarely, and within which 'wisdom' may perhaps be considered a euphemism. And yet outside such arenas one is already in the domain of specialisation and insensitivity to alternative perspectives. It is such structures that can provide the 'keystone' to counterbalance the interests of competing specialities and provide a framework within which the 'hubris' between such zones of conceptual coherence may be respected. An arena is required within which the perceived chaos between systems, and some measure of ignorance of their functioning, may be confronted as a continuing reality in order that better questions may emerge.

In recommending the use of computer conferencing, the stress is on the need to apply science and technology to develop continually the 'application of science and technology to development' - with all that this implies for continuing redefinition of the nature of the preoccupation and the status of those involved. This goes far beyond the design of information retrieval systems, such as conceived by the ICSU/UNESCO World Science Information System (UNISIST), which are locked into traditional definitions of science, and are insensitive to interdisciplinarity, social values, practical relevance, non-elitist alternative perspectives, and the human development of its practitioners.

The answers available from such retrieval systems are at present only those to uninteresting questions which reinforce the initial specialised perspective of the questioner. They do not answer the question which the questioner does not know how to ask or for which he does not recognize his need for information.

The recommended communication environment implies a degree of 'self-reflexiveness' (foreign to the conventional think-tank mentality) in which the dynamics within the 'Conseil des Sages' are consciously perceived as modelling the problem complex and knowledge resources which it is attempting to match. The recognised by-product of success is then the non-incidental collective human development of those participating in the configuration-building process.

With the present rapid development of data networks, it will prove possible to undertake much consultation, education, and other advisory work between individuals and institutions in distant countries using computer conferencing systems. This is already happening in the USA (19). This could place developing countries in a much better position in relation to those from whom they wish to receive such assistance:

• Continuing contact over longer periods - greater variety of possible contacts, permitting continuing access to alternative viewpoints
• More sensitive relationship emerging from such on-going dialogues
• Better definition of need and better matching of resources to need
• Better contact amongst groups of users in different developing countries to clarify their conception of their needs.

The recommended communication environment therefore provides a unique way for refining dialogues, linking dialoguing groups, and ensuring appropriate interaction with those able to provide new insights or benefit from them. These may have concrete programme oriented (ad hoc) preoccupations or they may (also) attempt to explore the significance which emerges from deepening the nature of the dialogue - perhaps the most important function for society of any 'Conseil des Sages'.

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