The emergence of a technology-based global society is effecting tremendous changes in the economic and political world order. If our society is going to respond successfully to these changes, it must recognize the philosophic as well as strictly scientific implications of technological growth. We are entering a new era for amplifying the human powers of perception, reasoning, invention, and production. Knowledge-based systems, artificial intelligence, robotics, telecommunications, and biotechnologies are currently being developed. Such developments will soon alter the global social order. Industries and persons mastering these technologies will realize tremendous economic and political influence, with the nations having the most sophisticated technologies dominating the balance of power. If society is going to help individuals deal with the new order, fundamental changes in education are necessary. A more deterministic orientation, a more creative content, and a "systems understanding" leading to "systems thinking" will be essential components of education in the Communications Era in order to solve social problems. (LP)