Alexandra Maldwyn-Davies (asker) Feb 3, 2015:

Thanks for your contributions. I went with 'Global Innovation', but gave the client the option of 'World-Object' when I delivered the file. I do believe it was a reference to Serres, but the context wasn't quite right. The text was about a business and technology hub, which although pretty impressive, wasn't quite on a par with the Internet or the atomic bomb. ;-)

John Holland Feb 3, 2015:

Source text seems a direct reference to Serres From p. 3 of translated Serres article "The Natural Contract" available at http://www.sfu.ca/humanities-institute-old/pdf/Naturalcontra... (and already cited by Melissa McMahon in the reference section below):
"By world-objects I mean tools with a dimension that is commensurable with one of the dimensions of the world. A satellite for speed, an atomic bomb for energy, the Internet for space, and nuclear waste for time...these are four examples of world-objects."

From the source text here:
"Avec la globalisation, nous fabriquons des objets-monde, qui sont des objets dans lesquels nous habitons comme dans le monde, et que nous ne maîtrisons pas
Exemples d'objets-mondes : un système satellitaire, une bombe atomique, l'Internet, le déchiffrement du génome, les résidus nucléaires, un réseau de communication, ou encore un ordinateur ou un téléphone mobile - si on définit l'objet-monde comme un outil dont l'une des dimensions au moins atteint l'extension du monde."

It looks like, with the examples, the source text author is making a direct reference to Serres work.

Lara Barnett Feb 3, 2015:

@ Phil As you will see from the dictionary definition, the word I have used has 4 other meanings besides secular:

"Worldly.
1. of or relating to this world as contrasted with heaven, spiritual life, etc.; earthly; mundane.
2. N/A
3. devoted to, directed toward, or connected with the affairs, interests, or pleasures of this world.
4. of or relating to the people or laity; secular; neither ecclesiastical nor religious.
5. Obsolete. of, relating to, or existing on earth."
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/worldly

As you will also see, "worldly" is used in UK texts, as are many other words that may have originated, or be widely used, in the US - i.e. language is constantly living and growing.

"Don’t be fooled by worldly treasures that seduce people but leave them tired, loveless and empty, Pope Francis said in a homily at Mass this morning."
http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2013/06/21/seeking-worl...

"The mind should not be allowed to wander towards worldly objects and what concerns other people."
http://allspirit.co.uk/writings/sacred-texts/who-am-i-nan-ya...

philgoddard Feb 3, 2015:

Because You've deleted one incorrect answer, "worldy (sic) phenomenons", and replaced it with another, "worldy phenomenona". Worldly (not worldy), as your reference states, means secular, which is not the meaning here. And as a native English speaker, you should know the plural of "phenomenon".

Lara Barnett Feb 2, 2015:

@ Phil = (answer box space is too short) I am unsure as to why you have disagreed with me regarding the use of "worldly" - yes it has a more spiritual use at times (as per No 2 below), but it also has a concrete use relating to what is in this world other No.s below.
"Worldly.
1. of or relating to this world as contrasted with heaven, spiritual life, etc.; earthly; mundane.
2. experienced; knowing; sophisticated:
the benefits of his worldly wisdom.
3. devoted to, directed toward, or connected with the affairs, interests, or pleasures of this world.
4. of or relating to the people or laity; secular; neither ecclesiastical nor religious.
5. Obsolete. of, relating to, or existing on earth."
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/worldly

...and considering that the events described in the webpage do actually more humane type issues, and as you say yourself not just "objects" in the English sense of the word, Your reason for disagreeing with my answer is still unclear to me. A Neutral would have made more sense with the explanation you have given so far.

Melissa McMahon Feb 2, 2015:

@Phil Michel Serres is an éminence grise of French philosophy. Corrections and editing are not an option.

philgoddard Feb 2, 2015:

"Object" is not the ideal translation, because if you read on, the list includes things that are not objects, like nuclear waste and deciphering the genome. One possibility would be to leave out these items, and tell the customer why. Alternatively, you could say "innovations" instead of "objects", in which case you'd have to leave out the bit about the etymology of "object".
I think either of these minor changes is justifiable, as otherwise the whole text will read oddly.