Towards a Convention on Knowledge

The paper argues that the predominant reductionist model of Western science has failed, contributing to environmental degradation and the marginalisation of indigenous knowledge. It proposes a non-binding 'Convention on Knowledge' based on principles of public ownership, ecological accountability, and the protection of indigenous rights. The authors call for a shift toward holistic, organic sciences and the banning of destructive technologies, such as weapons of mass destruction and certain forms of genetic engineering, while promoting research into agro-ecology, renewable energy, and holistic health.

• The authors argue that the dominant Western scientific model is reductionist and mechanistic, which has provided the intellectual basis for economic globalisation and the creation of instruments of oppression and destruction.
• The commercialisation of science, particularly in biotechnology, has led to a crisis where public trust is undermined and independent scientists are being driven to extinction as research is increasingly dictated by corporate and military interests.
• The document identifies 'biopiracy' as a major threat, where indigenous knowledge and genetic resources are stolen and privatised through patents, often by foreigners.
• The proposed 'Convention on Knowledge' establishes that knowledge should be a community asset, rejecting the privatisation of databases, patents on living organisms, and monopolistic patents on essential medicines.
• The paper advocates for a transition to 'holistic, organic sciences' that align with indigenous knowledge systems and the Gaia theory, viewing the Earth as a single super-organism.
• The authors list specific technologies and research areas that should be banned or discontinued, including nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, as well as human cloning and 'Terminator technologies'.
• The document recommends prioritising funding for sustainable systems, specifically focusing on agro-ecological biodiversity, renewable energy, and a 'science of the organism' for holistic health.

APA

Ho, M.-W., Novotny, E., Webber, P., & Daniels, E. E. (2002). Towards a Convention on Knowledge. Scientists for Global Responsibility. https://www.sgr.org.uk/resources/towards-convention-knowledge

Chicago

Ho, Mae-Wan, Eva Novotny, Philip Webber, and E E Daniels. Towards a Convention on Knowledge. Scientists for Global Responsibility, 2002. https://www.sgr.org.uk/resources/towards-convention-knowledge.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Ho |first1=Mae-Wan |last2=Novotny |first2=Eva |last3=Webber |first3=Philip |last4=Daniels |first4=E E |title=Towards a Convention on Knowledge |publisher=Scientists for Global Responsibility |date=November 2002 |url=https://www.sgr.org.uk/resources/towards-convention-knowledge |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{ho2002towards, author = {Ho, Mae-Wan and Novotny, Eva and Webber, Philip and Daniels, E E}, title = {{Towards a Convention on Knowledge}}, institution = {Scientists for Global Responsibility}, year = {2002}, month = nov, url = {https://www.sgr.org.uk/resources/towards-convention-knowledge}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }