Lateral Transdisciplinary Research defines the connection between Lateral Thinking and Transdisciplinary Research. Lateral Thinking refers to a method of solving problems through an indirect and creative approach. Compared to classical Vertical Thinking, Lateral Thinking uses immediate, non-obvious reasoning to find unimaginable solutions for complex problems. Imagine replacing capitalism with another unimaginable alternative system for managing and sharing resources to prevent poverty and emerging wars. Imagine a world completely different from what we know today.
At 25th Century Institute, we believe that Lateral Thinking can empower transdisciplinary Research and act as a catalyst for connecting the dots from a scientific perspective. In research, Lateral Thinking can help researchers make powerful connections between disciplines and problems, such as tragedies caused by global warming, violence caused by social injustices, wealth distribution, lack of affordable housing, and poor-quality education.
The second decade of the 21st Century shows the world demands the most difficult structural changes. The traditional form of reasoning currently used in academia does not seem to respond effectively to the solutions for structural changes humanity needs to effectively reduce or eliminate poverty and social injustices through a revision of the current economic systems such as capitalism, communism and socialism. The 25th Century Institute, its partners and stakeholders believe that a scientific approach based on Lateral Transdisciplinary Research can help us to find unimaginable solutions for humanity’s structural problems.
At its core, the 25th Century Institute aims to elevate humanity to a higher state of understanding and cooperation. By addressing the root causes of human conflict—whether wars, societal divisions, or individual struggles—the institute aspires to foster a future where innovation aligns with harmony and progress transcends disruption.
Based on John Lennon’s words in one of the most famous songs, “Imagine,” the 25th Century Institute intends to help people see far beyond and question the current structures framing how we live, including the consumption of products, services, media, and entertainment to help humans reestablish their connection with natures and with each other without digital media technology.
We intend to strengthen a global network of distinguished researchers and scientists from many areas, including the Philosophy of Science, who are dissatisfied with the limitations of traditional academia. Unburdened by the constraints of rigid institutional structures, these pioneers are driven by curiosity, creativity, and the freedom to reimagine science and knowledge production while respecting academic rigour in blind peer-review evaluations.
The mission of the 25th Century Institute is to create transformative solutions that will not only respond to technological and societal shifts but also redefine what it means to thrive as a species. Through trans-disciplinary collaboration, forward-thinking research, and a commitment to ethical innovation, the institute seeks to:
John Lennon’s song “Imagine” portrays a humanistic world without today’s inequalities. Lennon sings in one part of the song: “Imagine no possessions. I wonder if you can. No need for greed or hunger, a brotherhood of man.” At the 25th Century Institute, we believe that the connection between art, science, and creativity can help us address emerging challenges caused by power imbalances and wealth concentration stemming from how capitalists and large corporations use technology to manipulate people’s behaviour and emotions to their advantage.
The 25th Century Institute is more than a think tank; it is a movement to foster peace and prepare humanity for the complexities of tomorrow. As a mission, we intend to navigate the challenges posed by disruptive technologies and unlock new possibilities for a future defined by peace, prosperity, and progress.
