This problem is already developed in the general theory. A few additions will
be given here. As we know from the general theory, we have an ability to build
and operate image models [I], and one to build and operate symbolic models
[S]. Generally speaking, [I] increased up to about the year 1800. [S] had a
first increase with the spoken language. It increased further with the
emergence of the written language. An important step was the development of
geometry as a symbolic model by Euclid, about 2300 years ago. Then [S] stayed
unchanged about up to the year 1666, when Newton's Mechanics marked the
evolution of the brain, as the second important fundamental symbolic model
appeared. From that moment, [S] started an accelerated increase which
continues.
In spite of the fact that [I] decreased in percentage compared to [S], in an
absolute mode, it continued to increase due to the support of [S].
Unfortunately, this evolution, which is true e.g. for Europe, is not true for
some other cultural regions. Some nations refuse basically symbolic models,
but are forced to use them.
There is a risk of splitting the world, due to the more and more reduced
capacity of communication between the two parts of it. The same situation may
happen inside one country with groups of people.
The two parts are not symmetrical. The ones based on [S] are the vectors of
progress and power, in any sense. The others are unable to maintain a rhythm
of evolution, but are, however, helped by the [S] nations, for stability
reasons, and due to the lack of other solutions. The [I] nations accept this
help, especially for practical reasons and opportunism. On long range, this
problem has no solution within the frame of the generally accepted democratic
system.
Within the [S] countries, a structure exists as well. Thus, some persons have
a higher [S] than others.
In general, the [I]-type people in a structure of [S]-type detain the power.
The time when the [S] people would have control is not within view. ([S]-type
people are called technocrats).
Due to the large dispersion between [I] and [S] levels, there is no hope at
the moment that a unique symbolic model will ever exist to describe correctly
the whole social structure. As a consequence, the technocrats (the [S] people
in an [S] type society) are not efficient yet, except in relatively narrow
domains. The politicians of today are those who have qualities in both image
and symbolic areas. They can cover approximately the whole society. However,
the development of the society will force them to redirect more and more to
symbolic models.
The basic problem associated with any society is the too wide dispersion
between the [I] and [S] levels, and its increase as the society evolves.
Some explanations for this dispersion, based on MDT, are given below:
1. The models are built chaotically. The structure of models, including PSM,
contains important and less important models. This is also a problem of
education in early childhood.
2. Education and assimilation of new knowledge continues to be based on a too
large scale on [I] models.
3. The structure of models, including PSM, is almost invariant and, as a
consequence, the brain has not the flexibility required by a fast evolution of
the society.
4. Education is chaotic. Too many image models are built in the period of
development, and the symbolic models are not adequate to reality. For
instance, mathematical calculations are prefered to the construction and
operation of general symbolic models. Even worse, the students are not taught
to think based on symbolic models. Terms like image model (analog) and
symbolic model are not known at the level of general formal education. Image
models should be taught starting in first class, and symbolic models with
eight class. Even worse, those who work with symbolic models are not always
aware of it. Many physicists are not aware that Newton's Mechanics is a
symbolic model.
5. The design deficiencies of the brain are not shown or recognised, and as
such, can't be compensated for (see general theory).
Conclusion: The brain evolves from image to symbolic models. The dispersion
between the [S]-levels of people, countries and cultural zones is increasing.
This increasing dispersion, together with the design and technological
problems, creates fundamentalism (some can't continue their evolution).
Fundamentalism is a threat for the world as a whole. The possible solutions
are unacceptable within the frame of the democratic principles.