Noetic Consciousness

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The word "noetic" comes from the ancient Greek noûs, for which there is no exact equivalent in English. It refers to "inner knowing," a kind of intuitive consciousness — direct and immediate access to knowledge beyond what is available to our normal senses and the power of reason.

"Noetic theory" is a branch of philosophy concerned with the study of mind and intuition. Among its principal purposes one can mention the study of non-rational ways of knowing and how they relate to reason; it also refers to the study of relationships between human and divine intuition. That is why noetic theory often had very close links with metaphysics. In the Western tradition and Arab philosophy noetic theory was strongly influenced by the theories of philosophers such as Anaxagoras, Plato and Aristotle.

In modern dictionaries, "noetic" is often defined as meaning "intellect." This practice derives from medieval theologians and philosophers who used the Latin word "intellectus" — but for them, this typically meant what we today would call "intuition."

What is 'Noetic'?

Quite simply, “noetic” means intuitive knowing. If you have ever had an experience where you “just knew” something to be true — through deep contemplation or even as an instantaneous “hit” — without any evidence from your senses or without any rational justification . . . and then it turned out to be so; well that was a “noetic” moment. It's a way of knowing grounded in something larger than your own personal mind. Usually, it comes with a sense of “rightness” and self-validation. Many people consider such noetic moments to be communications from a “higher intelligence.”

What is 'Noetic Science'?

Noetic science explores the nature and potentials of consciousness using multiple ways of knowing — including intuition, feeling, reason, and the senses. It is disciplined inquiry into the "inner cosmos" of the mind (consciousness, soul, spirit) and how it relates to the "outer cosmos" of the physical world. It explores the frontiers of consciousness from three perspectives:

(1) First-person perspective by supporting individuals explore and develop their own subjective consciousness (e.g., meditation and other spiritual practices). Emphasis on inner knowing and personal transformation.

(2) Second-person perspective by exploring and supporting transformative relationships and intersubjective consciousness (e.g., compassionate dialogue, community building, collective wisdom). Emphasis on transformative learning and collective wisdom.

(3) Third-person perspective by gathering data about objective physiological correlates of consciousness (e.g., research using rigorous scientific protocols, including experiments in psi, mind-body healing, and subtle energies). Emphasis on scientific understanding.

These are the complementary elements of a "noetic science." All three perspectives value and employ multiple ways of knowing — including intuition, reason, and the senses in varying combinations. The goal of this work is to support individuals in transformation of their own consciousness (developing their innate human potentials and creative capacities) as a foundation for collective transformation toward a global wisdom society.

Noetic Origins

Paleolithic humans (pre-history) — Cromagnon cave art depicts shamanic rituals and awareness of transcendent or “vertical” power involving transformation.
Shamanism (pre-history) — Practices for disciplining and transfrorming body and mind influenced Orphic practices.
Ancient Mystery Schools (pre-history) (Orphic: Focused on knowledge through transformation of noetic faculty).
Anaxagoras (c. 500 BCE) — nous. “Nous is infinite and self-ruled.” “Nous has power over all things . . .”
Plato (3rd century BCE) — nous as God and as the ultimate cause of order in the universe. Identified with the demiurge of the Timaeus, Nous acts through 'persuasion' rather than 'coercion.'
Plotinus (3rd century C.E.)—nous. Great Chain of Being: One —> manifest nous or divine intelligence.
Gnostics (4th century)—gnosis, same root as nous & noetic — meaning esoteric wisdom
Nicholas of Cusa (15th century) — “coincidence of opposites” requires non-rational noetic consciousness that embraces paradox.
Giordano Bruno (15th century) — Noetic monad: “intelligent matter” i.e., matter that contains nous.
Leibniz (16th century) — Universe is composed of “monads," intelligent centers of force.
William James (19th century) — “radical empiricism” includes noetic, non-rational ways of knowing
Henri Bergson (19th/20th century) — “élan vital” life-force pulsing through evolution. A purposeful, intelligent process that can be known only by engaging our noetic, intuitive mind.
Edgar Mitchell (20th/21st century) — Whole-Earth epiphany. Founded Institute of Noetic Sciences. First organization explicitly committed to explorations of “inner cosmos” using rigors of science and noetic wisdom.
Institute of Noetic Sciences (20th/21st century)—Explores frontiers of consciousness using multiple ways of knowing: First-person, second-person, and third-person methodologies.
The Wisdom Academy [1] (21st century) — Offers personal mentorships in consciousness combining the Four Gifts of Knowing: The Scientist's Gift of the senses and experimental method; The Philosopher's Gift of reason and language; The Shaman's Gift of participatory feeling and alternative states of consciousness; The Mystic's Gift of transcendental intuition accessed in sacred silence.

[edit] See also

[edit] Bibliography

Davidson H.A., Alfarabi, Avicenna, and Averroes, on Intellect. Their Cosmologies, Theories of the Active Intellect, and Theories of Human Intellect, New York-Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1992.