Section I, “A Vision for the Unity of Sciences”

Organized by Mr. Greg Breland, Section I began with a panel on the founders’ visionary projects related to science. Dr. Andrew Wilson pointed out that in Rev. Moon’s first written manuscript of the Divine Principle in the 1950’s, he dedicated over 100 of the total of 800 pages to science. One principle he explained was that every entity is in relation with another entity, whether that be protons and electrons, stamen and pistil or male and female and even God and humans. This is the philosophy behind the ICUS Conferences, seeking to show the connection between science and religion. Dr. Yoshimitsu Nishikawa then explained the vision behind the Peace Highway and the Japan-Korea undersea tunnel. This “connectography” is a core image of overcoming barriers among peoples and between religion and science through practical projects of science and technology.

In the second session, Dr. William Keepin showed through fractals in nature that there is indication of intelligent design. His presentation discussed uniting natural and esoteric sciences, drawing deeply on the mystical traditions of Hinduism, Islam and others. Dr. Gennady Shipov’s presentation on physical vacuum, also came to the point of accounting for psychophysical phenomena, such as the energy of group meditation. In the third session, Dr. Martin Ramirez argued that human violence is not biologically determined, and thus we are capable of achieving lasting peace. Prof. Yoshiyuki Amemiya aptly summarized the concerns of Section I by observing that “Every existence in nature is organically connected, being neither independent nor dependent, but interdependent. The same is true of every existence in the ideals of human civilization.”

Other speakers, such as Dr. Nlandu Ngatu and Dr. Se-Wohn Lee, touched on more traditional topics related to “Science and Values,” warning us about the dangers of air pollution and water pollution, respectively. One fact from Dr. Lee’s presentation that surprised many was the lasting effects of Agent Orange from the Vietnam War. There are still areas in Vietnam that have not recovered; the pictures were heart-breaking.

When ICUS started in the 1970’s, there was not much emphasis on interdisciplinary work or the effect science has on society’s values. Today it is hard to apply for a grant without addressing these issues. One can infer that Rev. Moon’s concern about this topic was cutting edge and will have even greater impact in the future.