Our Approach

Our basic research focuses on four main topics: 1) the underlying, modular architecture of complex thinking processes, 2) the difference between ratiomorphic analysis and a constellatory appreciation of issues in their entirety, 3) the necessary interplay of these two basic modes of thinking for cognitive excellence and „reason“ (in the full, philosophical sense), and based on all the above 4) new forms of multi-modal and model-based AI, viz. AI with reduced demands on data and greater proximity to general intelligence.

With regard to education, we have developed a new postgrad/postdoc curriculum, the MCA (Magister Cogitationis Artium). It is focussed on fostering outstanding skills in authentic thinking and on familiarising the participants with crucial thought-patterns from different disciplines. By the latter, we intend to enable the participants to approach novel challenges with a broad spectrum of different “cognitive prisms”.

As for the practical application of the basic research findings, four fields have been chosen. They are all characterised by a need for disruptive innovation and a potential for large humanitarian returns. The fields are „Medicine & Health Care“, „Education & Science“, „Strategy & Finance“ and, last but not least, „Democracy & Governance“.