This page presents our current, highest-level conclusions in each knowledge domain

that underlie our choices, and hence the values we arrive at,

which together constitute the basis of a Reasonable Global Way.

1. Philosophical Conclusions                                                    Version 1.1 March 2013

We all live with dilemmas: that we seek the truth about an objective reality, but our reasoning may be flawed, caused or chaotic, so we live with uncertainty; we can’t experience this reality directly and our experiences are sometimes wordless – mysterious and wondrous; and our understanding of reality doesn’t require any god(s), souls or spirits, but only the natural world; our conscious minds are almost illusory, but we ourselves can ascertain what is good, what is beautiful, and what is not.  more

2. Scientific Conclusions                                                           Version 1.1 March 2013

We have good explanations, sometimes very detailed and precise, sometimes amazing, of how the universe evolved from the big bang, the nature of matter and energy, how the Earth came to be and how life evolved, where good and evil come from, how humans evolved, our sexuality, our drives, our humanity, which strategies work and which don’t, and though these explanations will be revised as scientists learn more, they still provide a very good narrative, which will only be replaced by an even better one.  more

3. Historical Conclusions                                                           Version 1.1 March 2013

We have good explanations of how societies began, how geographical accidents led to different rates of development rather than the attributes of any ethnic group, and how sexism and racism developed in different societies; and we know that moving towards market economics and secular, liberal democracy based on human rights, increases happiness and prosperity, but national governments and our current global institutions aren’t adequately addressing global risks to our environment and society.  more

4. Religious Conclusions                                                           Version 1.1 March 2013

We need to accept the deep human need for narratives that define our part in the world, provide meaning and purpose and explain suffering, and our need for exemplary models of behaviour and reasonable rituals and practices, that help us to live life more fully, compassionately and connected, but we must be selective in what we take from all religions: we can't truly follow any fixed set of beliefs and need to understand, interpret and select from the sacred texts and all other inspirational works.  more

5 Cultural Conclusions                                                              Version 1.1 March 2013

Art and media, in all their forms, must seek to be authentic – truthful – to communicate, express, entertain, challenge and inform; to explore moral dilemmas, confront us with difference, and provide insight into ourselves; to express the inexpressible; news media especially must portray the world, life, humanity, society and our leaders with a fair balance of views, based on fact, and avoid creating misleading impressions, undue fear, or parochial attitudes, and we need to be better media consumers and regulators.  more

6 Personal Conclusions                                                             Version 1.1 October 2013

Our understandings of philosophy, science, history and religion, guide our moment by moment choices, that reflect our values, leading us to strive for personal integrity and consistency, physical and mental health, for joyful, consensual friendships and sexual relationships based on respect, to care for our families – spouses, dependent children, siblings and elderly parents, to contribute to and deal with our communities ethically and respectfully, and show appropriate reverence for whatever we find sacred.  more

7. Political Conclusions                                                             Version 1.1 October 2013

Our political aim is to promote human fulfillment as peacefully as possible, so we need to promote prosperity through: mixed economies (regulated markets with managed social welfare) and secular liberal democracies; effective area government at local, state, and national levels, enforcing human rights and sustainability; multinational bodies and non-government organizations that address inequality, oppression and global threats; and through passing our knowledge and wisdom on to our children and other adults, .  more

8. Global Vision                                                                         Version 1.2 August 2014

These conclusions, based on reason and evidence with a minimal degree of faith, and the value choices we base on them, lead us to a Reasonable Global Way of life; in personal and political arenas, which will be refined as we learn more – the process of reaching conclusions being as much a part of this Way as the outcomes; and this Way embraces the mystery of existence, our sense of wonder and awe, our longing for connectedness and ‘spiritual’ experiences; and this Way provides a universal narrative in which we can see the parts that we can play; providing meaning, purpose and contentment.  more

Core Values we adopt based on these conclusions:                       Version 1.1 October 2013

We can’t define this way simply, because it is complex.  But single words that reflect the core values we take from philosophy, science, history, religion and culture are:

         Truth, Diversity, Reality, Life, Love, Beauty.

Single words that reflect the values in personal and political arenas, and our vision, are:

         Responsibility, Equality and Hope.

These values are based on these global beliefs, and underlie a Reasonable Global Way.