Info:Project Vision

History of encyclopedias

Each effort to establish a system of knowledge proceeds from a "worldview," a philosophical, perhaps metaphysical, foundation that informs decisions regarding acquisition, organization, and presentation of knowledge. Diderot and the encyclopaedists (in the 18th Century) established the first encyclopedias from the philosophical perspective of the Enlightenment. More recently (after 1911) a certain scientism* influenced encyclopedias, resulting in the current tendency to attempt value-neutral presentations of facts and information.

Our Approach and Worldview

This project transcends the metaphysical assumptions of both the Enlightenment and Modern Encyclopedias.

The originator of this project is Sun Myung Moon. The philosophical and axiological foundations for the project derive from his life and teachings, especially as they are systematized in Unification Thought and other publicly available texts.

The worldview that informs this encyclopedia proceeds on the basis of universal values found in the life and teaching of Reverend Moon and in essence from all religious and spiritual traditions and in people of conscience, values drawn from original human purpose, and the purpose of creation.

Contributing to a better world

This encyclopedia project aims to organize and present human knowledge in ways consitent with our original purpose. Information and knowledge is intended to support the realization of a peaceful, healthy life for all people.

*Scientism:

• The collection of attitudes and practices considered typical of scientists.
• The belief that the investigative methods of the physical sciences are applicable or justifiable in all fields of inquiry.
• The elevation of the scientific method to dogma or metaphysical ultimacy, to the end that other methods of obtaining truth are not considered valid.

See: Video Interview of Dr. Gordon L. Anderson about the New World Encyclopedia on UpTV.

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