0.4.8 Beliefs Selection Criteria

Version 1.0 March 2013                          Previous Version

The criteria for selecting a subject area for inclusion in these global beliefs and values is:

Whether some knowledge of that area is required

for a reasonable, informed, educated, sane, concerned person

to adopt values or personal guidelines for a reasonable global way of life,

in both personal and political spheres.

This is an action based criteria, oriented to the potential impact on our behaviour.  Academic discussion that has no impact on our day to day lives is worthwhile but not our focus here.

Religious beliefs that have no impact on behaviour are also of little interest to us.  But many, if not most, religious beliefs do impact on behaviour, so they are covered by our selection criteria.

We have listed a raft of critical issues that we face, on a global, national and personal level (more).  We need to consider all the relevant subject areas required to address these issues.

Guiding Principles:

·       What do we really want our children – and our leaders - to know and understand?

·       What is required for us to be responsible custodians of life on this planet?

·       What areas must most of us agree on so that we can cooperate more fully?

·       What are the most significant conclusions that distinguish these global beliefs as a whole from other religions, world views and philosophies?

We select for examination beliefs that impact on our behaviour – the choices we make that reflect our values.  And even these selection criteria are open for debate and potential revision!

Can you propose other criteria for selecting the subject areas that we need to debate here? Click on feedback, or add a comment below, if you can improve the substance or the phrasing.