ToK Group, I tentatively propose “connection” as the 5th joint point in the ToK progression <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.unifiedtheoryofknowledge.org_8-2Dkey-2Dideas_the-2Dtree-2Dof-2Dknowledge&d=DwIFAw&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=HPo1IXYDhKClogP-UOpybo6Cfxxz-jIYBgjO2gOz4-A&m=MlrivgwpO0QWppRQY4ydzHDH2G_W397x6pyrFplVRzc&s=B9ftAxQwkQMYdOCMomUtB4FVO_Im0QfD7FBjnMNseLM&e= > , based on the following trends: 1. Information Sharing—Our ability to share information has increased throughout history, and has exploded recently with the broad and deep adoption of the internet. 2. Telepresence—Video connections such as FaceTime, Video chat forums such as Zoom meetings, broadcasting and narrow casting with YouTube, and emerging Virtual Reality systems bring us closer to people, regardless of geography. 3D Printing allows items to be manufactured on site minimizing raw material transportation. 3. Cyborg—Although the classic science fiction image of half human, half robot remains a fantasy, we are increasingly connected to mechanical and AI devices that help us every day. This includes implanted pacemakers, heart valves, and heart pumps, fitness trackers, smart phones, GPS systems, Roomba and other devices, smart speakers, mobility devices, electric skateboards and self-driving cars. Ongoing advancements in artificial intelligence, bionics, and robotics will continue this trend 4. Knowledge Commons—The achievements listed above allow us to progress toward a “Knowledge commons” where knowledge obtained from the most reliable sources is readily shared and used as the basis for attaining a common understanding the universe. The Encyclopedia Britannica has been superseded by Wikipedia as a broadly shared knowledge base. If we believe that reality is our common ground, then creating, maintaining, improving, expanding, trusting, and relying upon the knowledge commons can help us move forward based on a common understanding of factual information. Procedures for ensuing information is reliable and for knowing how we know <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__en.wikiversity.org_wiki_Knowing-5FHow-5FYou-5FKnow&d=DwIFAw&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=HPo1IXYDhKClogP-UOpybo6Cfxxz-jIYBgjO2gOz4-A&m=MlrivgwpO0QWppRQY4ydzHDH2G_W397x6pyrFplVRzc&s=Ut_THO_PGiByzEDt3py5QaxKoposRkx3UBn8EbStQWA&e= > are becoming increasing available. 5. Abundance—Evolution is shaped by scarcity—survival of the fittest, and driven by abundance—many experiments over unimaginably long time frames. Economics studies allocation of scarce resources. However, technology improvements bring us to the threshold of abundance. If we can change the dominant narrative from scarcity to abundance, many opportunities become possible. Ideas such as Modern Monetary Theory make economic systems such as Universal Basic Income possible. Today, effective altruism and the UN sustainable Development Goals are improving lives around the world. 6. Global Reach a. Global perspective <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__en.wikiversity.org_wiki_Global-5FPerspective&d=DwIFAw&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=HPo1IXYDhKClogP-UOpybo6Cfxxz-jIYBgjO2gOz4-A&m=MlrivgwpO0QWppRQY4ydzHDH2G_W397x6pyrFplVRzc&s=6-rUNf2a45F-Q1NJvFTwlp3C_Z3ZcA39Kn6AaicqFpQ&e= > —The trends described above allow us to connect with people around the world. We can manage a transition from a tribal culture to a truly global culture. b. Global empathy and human rights <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__en.wikiversity.org_wiki_Assessing-5FHuman-5FRights&d=DwIFAw&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=HPo1IXYDhKClogP-UOpybo6Cfxxz-jIYBgjO2gOz4-A&m=MlrivgwpO0QWppRQY4ydzHDH2G_W397x6pyrFplVRzc&s=6fkQX5oBfYiOO3z9rQWHDJbYtzc-yQG3rvRzyT6yw3U&e= > —Global connections allow our empathy and compassion to extend to people who are geographically distant from us. Protection of human rights, world-wide becomes important. Many issues, such as war, immigration, and boarder control issues can dissolve as human rights are upheld for all the world’s people. c. Global Narrative—The best story wins, and stories with tribal origins have long dominated our thinking. Perhaps as our global reach improves, global narratives will begin to supersede tribal narratives. Perhaps we can progress beyond tribal ideologies, observe reality more accurately, and seek real good <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__en.wikiversity.org_wiki_Living-5FWisely_Seeking-5FReal-5FGood&d=DwIFAw&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=HPo1IXYDhKClogP-UOpybo6Cfxxz-jIYBgjO2gOz4-A&m=MlrivgwpO0QWppRQY4ydzHDH2G_W397x6pyrFplVRzc&s=1aRXXv_hcwkaCj7Vr_3pRdKOY-AVqRXs07PtkTjMdh8&e= > . d. Global Alliances—We destroy our enemies whenever we make them our friends. It is unlikely that France will ever again be at war with Germany or England. It is unlikely Japan will attack the United States again. Commercial, social, cultural, and political alliances can continue to form and grow. These can keep us safe and allow us to flourish. I hope that the polarization we see today are the last gasps of tribal cultures in their death throes as the transition to a global civilization unfolds. What do we call the 5th emergence? How about “Global Civilization”? I hope these musings are helpful. I recognize that these may be naïve or off the mark. Thanks for reading, what do you think? Lee Beaumont ############################ To unsubscribe from the TOK-SOCIETY-L list: write to: mailto:[log in to unmask] or click the following link: http://listserv.jmu.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=TOK-SOCIETY-L&A=1