Mme. Sizoo proposes to distribute the papers for some people to read. Then
language groups should be formed, starting with culture and art. Each
group can take the necessary time, without time limit, and settle among
them who is to report. These persons will give their reports to Ms. Eva to
prepare the overall report to be the basis for tomorrow's work.
Nadia is afraid of the general tiredness.
Fahima talked next, saying that since two subjects have already been
handled, we could stay as a group, keeping each contribution short.
A vote by the show of hands was tried. Somebody asked about translators
for the groups. The final decision was to continue as before with the
entire group of approximately 35 people.
Some papers in different languages were distributed for study.
One member has doubts as to how to include some items on education in the
platform. My experience is in rural communities, holistic, with human
values, also giving theoretical information, but we are not recognized.
How does the Alliance think about this?
Fahima agrees, that third-world experiments are not recognized, and that
science tries to dominate instead of improving quality of life. There is
only one science, but great care must be taken as to its application.
One member said she cannot keep back from commenting the scientific
revolution: it must be managed. She agrees and is also afraid of
considering science as an end instead of a means. Here enters the matter
of value. Science is not good or bad. Its use can be.
Ms. Sizoo is glad that we are saying the same things, expressing the same
ideas, only with different words.
Arts and Culture
The only member to talk on arts said that most of the discussion was
intellectual. The question is whether humans can express themselves, in
art. Why is art marginalised? He feels it is Western philosophy ever
since the Greeks with the quest for the ideal. Creative expression must be
brought back to the center of debates.
An artist member and educator thinks art and education are the same, and
cites Ghandi, who with the performance of producing salt changed his world.
Culture would be education with art.
Nadia referred to the former speaker and said that art is incompatible with
the dominant rational thought. She is afraid of the professionalization of
art. Is art a luxury or a necessity?
Carlos says he is worried we are mixing up things. In what sense are we
complaining of science? Science is not neutral, we cannot be neutral about
it. Are we talking of natural or social sciences?
Raquel is glad the group stayed together, for the 4 subjects are
interrelated. People have to work with all four, based on values and using
the knowledge of all these sources to develop a new planet based on other
forms of relationships.
Antonio Carlos, from Ecuador thinks science needs to be based on
philosophical elements and popular wisdom. We cannot ignore science, but
it has its own place.
Flavio, works in a black movement in Brazil. This is his first contact
with the Alliance. He is glad in this group, because the blacks, not
slaves anymore, need all these. The new world must not exclude anybody.
Freedom of expression is the most important thing, according to Kiran.
The Indian lady wants to state the obvious. Singing a song together at the
inauguration session showed the strength of art.
Luciana wants to refer to the neutrality of science. Science is a tool.
It is neutral. The one who uses it is not. We are responsible.
Ms Sizoo thanked those present. She was surprised that the group in spite
of tiredness and stress decided to work together and how much it produced.
Tomorrow the people who have read to papers should share their thoughts.
And each one should try to bring proposals.
Papers were distributed and the session was considered closed.