Science and the Future of Mankind (World Academy of Art and Science, 4)

Informatory Notes 379 VI On December 24, 1960, the appeal of the International Conference on Science and Human Welfare (Oct. 1956) was realized by the constitution of the WORW ACADEMY OF ART AND SCIENCE, which will functlon as an informal "World University" of the highest scientific and ethicallevel. The structure of the Academy and its aims are laid down in the Statutes which, in their final form, will be included as an Appendix in the next volume. The two main purposes of the Academy are: I. Gradually to build up a TRANSNATIONAL FORUM, in which the vital problems of mankind can be responsibly discussed and thoroughly studied by the best brains of our generation and of the following ones, from an objective, scientific and global point of view. 2. To act as an impartial advisory body in the service of Human Welfare, OUTSIDE OF ALL GROUP-INTERESTS. This book is the Academy's first small step in this direction. Further details concerning the organization and the activities of the World Academy will be found in the Appendices to this and to the following volumes. ## VII PLATO 1: "Until philosophers are kin8s, or the kin8s and princes of this world have the spirit and power of science, and political weatness and wisdom met in one, neither states nor the human race itself will ever have rest from their evils." Remark: The great Greek belongs to that small group of congenial giants in Asia, Africa and Europe, who saw the "Need" a few thousand years earlier than we, although the "Means" which they considered may differ greatly from those at our disposal. PLATO was also the founder of an Academy with a similar "Goal" in mind as ours. This Academy proceeded with its work through nine centuries (!) namely from 387 B.C. until529 A.D., when it was c10sed by religious intolerance. lts main aim was the scientific and philosophical training of potential politicalleaders. ## THE EDITOR 1. From the 7th letter to Dion and his family at Syracuse. VIII This is the great objective of this new movement 1 which will have the support of all people of vision and goodwill who think of the kind of world we would like to pass on to our children and grandchildren. Front Matter....Pages I-2 Introduction....Pages 3-9 Front Matter....Pages 11-11 Die Internationale der Wissenschaft....Pages 13-14 The Need of a World Academy of Art and Science....Pages 15-28 Thoughts on Art and Science....Pages 29-47 Science and our Future....Pages 49-56 Front Matter....Pages 57-57 The Prospects of Genetic Progress....Pages 59-75 Science, Scientists and World Policy....Pages 77-82 The Significance of Border Sciences for the Future of Mankind....Pages 83-120 The Human Significance of Natural Resources....Pages 121-130 Resource Planning: A Problem in Communication....Pages 131-140 Food Supply and Increase of Population....Pages 141-158 Quelques voies probables de développement des nouvelles techniques en agronomie....Pages 159-183 Science in the Service of Man in Africa South of the Sahara....Pages 185-196 La science et l’homme au seuil du désert....Pages 197-201 Human Needs and the Need for Ultimate Orientation....Pages 203-229 Practical Notes on Politics and Poesy....Pages 231-243 Front Matter....Pages 245-245 Science and Engineering — and the Future of Man....Pages 247-300 War or Peace — a Biological Problem....Pages 301-315 Science and Modern Civilization....Pages 317-332 New Ways with Science as Leader....Pages 333-337 Front Matter....Pages 245-245 Per Aspera ad Astra....Pages 339-354 Back Matter....Pages 355-380