Paradigm Shift towards the 21st Century through "Human Potential Science"

The last four months left before the turn of the century are offering us a chance to reflect on many scientific matters. Among them ISLIS which was founded seeking the shift of paradigm of science and technology towards the twenty-first century.  It is truly meaningful that ISLIS, with this important mission in mind, is holding "The Tenth Symposium on Life Information Science" today, with a steadily growing membership of eight nationalities so far, never failing to periodically publish its journals since the first issue.  We would like to thank all our members and those who have helped and supported us from the bottom of our heart.

Science and technology in the twentieth century established a paradigm where research has been mainly targeted on the objective physical world independent of consciousness, spirit and mind, and this has been producing excellent results within the paradigm.

Meanwhile, little money has been allocated for research on a variety of phenomena in the field of consciousness, spirit and mind phenomena, as a result of which their study has been far left behind so that much remains to be done in the twenty-first century.
This field includes such things as qigong, meditation, laughter, music, aroma and forest bathing, many of which are closely related to "human potential," such as relaxation, preventive medicine, maintenance and enhancement of health, mental healing, and natural healing power.

In addition, in academic papers for example, mysterious phenomena are reported which seem impossible to explain by extending the results of the paradigm established for science and technology in the twentieth century.  Moreover, none of their mechanisms or principles have been made clear so far.

It is essential to clearly recognize and identify these phenomena, effects, mechanisms and principles by gathering collective interdisciplinary, international wisdom. It is expected that concerted efforts will contribute to opening up human potential, creating a new paradigm for science and technology and cultures, promoting education, health, social welfare, mental richness of society and individuals, and realizing a quality life, with fewer crimes, world peace and reduction of medical costs in a real aging society.

Several countries have already allocated budgets for this field, as was the case in the NIH in the U.S.  From the fiscal year 2000, the Japanese Government also has begun to budget the field through the Science and Technology Agency (for further details, please refer to my paper in this issue).

Foundation of "Human Potential Science Institute" (Human PSI) is urgently needed, as our Society has been advocating, so that we can carry out research in this field on a regular basis.

It becomes more and more important for the world to unite in this field. We hope the interdisciplinary and international wisdom will be gathered for this field and the ISLIS.

Return to homepage.

Last Modified: October 14, 2000