Area of Study: Discovery:

Defining Discovery:
Discovery is a concept that has many connotations. It can involve something tangible
but it is often viewed as being more of an experimental process that takes place over
time. The word discovery has both positive and negative connotations. To some it
conjures up images of adventure, travel and excitement. To others it is frightening
and intimidating. It usually involves a trigger or catalyst of some kind, which
prompts reflection or reassessment followed by altered outlook. Regardless of the
particular discovery focus or the outcomes, it typically involves learning, selfawareness and enhanced understanding.

The Basics:
The discovery process is often transitional and transformational in form. It can involve:
1) Motivations, prompts or triggers.
2) Explorations, difficulties and challenges.
3) Impact, ramifications and both positive and negative consequences.
Discovery can mean to:
Find
Locate
Uncover
Unearth
Learn
Realise
Detect
Notice
Perceive
Discern
Determine
Ascertain
Disclose
Reveal
Distinguish
Unveil
Expose
Identify
Trace

Discovery can relate to:

Geography
History
Patterns
Mission
Expeditions
Quests
Archaeology
Space
Spirituality
Culture
Heritage
Traditions
Diaspora
Colonialism
Exploration
Philosophy
Evidence
Revelation
Perspective

Discovery can result in:

Insight
Self-knowledge
Awareness
Reflection
Contemplation
Introspection
Fortitude
Reconnections
Explanations
Solutions
Progress
Acuity
Redemption
Penitence
Reconciliation
Clarification
Deliberation
Resilience
Emancipation

Discovery Concepts:
Triggers:

History suggests that humanity has an instinctive compulsion to experience new

places, gain answers and knowledge and strive for answers.
The yearning to discover something new often stems from humanitys innate
curiosity and imaginative capacity to conjecture, dream and envisage new
possibilities.
Exploration can be prompted be desire for material or commercial gain or a desire
for conquest and power on an individual, cultural, or social basis.
The desire to find something new can be fuelled by speculative reflection or a
desire for adventure and an escape from everyday reality.
Emotional triggers can include ambition or competition.

Experimental Process:

Reaching a desired goal or destination does not simply rely on planning or

equipment but also physical endurance, strong leadership and dogged
determination.
Physical, emotional or psychological discovery can be difficult or daunting but also
liberating and cathartic.
Imaginative exploration of new experiences and sensations is often speculative.
Self-discovering often involves introspection and learning about people, places,
events and relationships that can challenge previously held values and attitudes.
Exploration may require courage but open up unexplored terrain that surpasses
the everyday and takes the traveler outside themselves emotionally and spiritually.
Imaginative discovery can release imprisoned possibilities that were previously
unrecongised.
Personal reflection can prompt self-determinism and a decision to take control of
life.

Consequences:

The process of discover can help demystify the inexplicable or intangible by giving
access to previously unexplored realms or knowledge.
It can become the catalyst for rejuvenation and redemption.
Can stimulate new ideas and alter perspectives and outlook.
Knowledge or re-discovery can generate re-evaluation of self and societal
relationships as well as ethical appraisal.
Seeking new places, things or opportunities may not always prove successful but
they can bring insight, inspiration and broadened outlook.

The act of discovery does not always have positive consequences but even failure
to achieve hoped for goals can still serve as a powerful impetus for insight.