Toward Human Emergence -

Human Resource Philosophy for the Future

by Philip Robert Harris, Ph.D. (HRD Press, 2011)

Managers and other professionals in the emerging field of human resource development need to put their endeavors into a larger context. This new release provides such a philosophy for those in the business of actualizing human potential. From the perspective of a futurist and management psychologist, the contents review the highlights of our species progression over the past 200,000 years on this planet, as well as our possibilities in the decades ahead not only on Earth, but beyond in outer space.

Toward Human Emergence is a helpful and positive analysis from a behavioral science viewpoint of the various stages in our long journey from hunter-gathers and agriculturalists, to industrialists and knowledge workers. It examines the perfection of human endeavor now in terms of the quickening pace and pressures that challenge us, such as climate change, population explosion, increasing urbanization, greater affluence, technological advances, and knowledge expansion. This mind-stimulating volume offers a hopeful vision of humanity, so HRD managers/practitioners and other educators may inspire learners to utilize today's opportunities for improving the human condition and quality of all life.

Toward Human Emergence will inspire those who seek to be world shapers, rather than mere squatters. Within the framework of human evolution, it offers planners and doers thoughtful insights on how to capitalize on human assets, while curbing our tendencies toward destruction, violence, and self abuse. The text's major themes are coping with accelerating change, making knowledgeable choices and decisions, and influencing the future through self-knowledge and control. The last of its twelve chapters discusses the convergence of these key concepts of culture, change, choice, and control. The prologue considers humanity's prospects for emergence, while the epilogue projects the offworld possibilities for our further emergence as a species. For people in transition who can influence our future either positively or negatively, a comprehensive bibliography is provided for further reading.

Toward Human Emergence contents are both mind-expanding and practical. Mixed in with philosophical reflections on timely concepts are some 55 special exhibits. These are a combination of photographs and artistic renderings, interwoven with mini-cases and commentary from other writers which illustrate and confirm the author's observations on human destiny. Dr. Phil Harris has spent over 40 years researching and writing this seminal work. It represents some 60 years of his experience as an educator, trainer, and consultant engaged in human resource development. To prepare people to make the most of our knowledge culture and future, this is his fifth and most important book for HRD Press.

PROFESSORS NOTE: This latest release is suitable for use as a textbook in college and university courses. Its broad treatment makes it ideal for classes in philosophy and psychology, the behavioral or social sciences. in addition to academic offerings in education and HRD.

AUTHOR: Toward Human Emergence is the 48th published book of Philip Robert Harris, Ph.D. He is both a licensed psychologist and professional futurist. He is best known for his recent volumes on Managing Cultural Differences, Space Enterprise, Multicultural Law Enforcement, plus The New Work Culture Series for HRD Press. As an international consultant, this behavioral scientist has served over 200 client systems worldwide, including Fortune 500 corporations,non-profit associations, as well as government agencies and the military with his Federal GS15 designation. A former vice president for St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights and Copley International Corporation in La Jolla, he has lectured globally at prominent universities and colleges. His many honors include a Fulbright professorship to India under a U.S. State Department grant; the Torch Award from ASTD for outstanding contributions to the HRD field; National Training Laboratories Fellow; and NASA Faculty Fellow. For additional details, see his Internet website: www.drphilipharris.com.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Author's Note to Readers

Dedication/Acknowledgements

List of Exhibits

Prologue - Prospects for Human Emergence

Chapters:

Unit One - Coping with Change

1. An Anatomy of Change

2. The Changing Cosmos

3. The Changing Human

4. The Changing Society

5. The Changing Future

6. The Changing Person

Unit Two - Making Knowledgeable Choices

1. An Anatomy of Choice

2. The Choice of Integration and Synergy

3. The Choice of Disintegration and Conflict

Unit Three - Influencing the Future

1. An Anatomy of Self-Control and Regulation

2. The Ecological and Environmental Controls

3. The Convergence of Culture, Change, Choice and Control

Epilogue - Offworld Prospects for Human Emergence

About the Author

Bibliography