Science

Concepts of Wholeness Science

• 1.The universe is a single whole entity and its subsequent parts are connected and related. Human awareness can access every aspect of the wholeness, the natural world via sensory perception and all the contents of consciousness.

• 2. Scientific explanations can be useful in understanding phenomenon when relating them to other phenomenon and relationships. Explanations involving causality are viable in a specific context and for a specific purpose only. Given the interconnected nature of all things, reductionism is not a viable method of understanding the universe. Although order appears to exist in the universe and appears to point to matter as its origin, this does not exclude the possibility that consciousness is the beginning or source of all creation.

• 3. Reality is arrived at through sensory perception of the natural world and by way of a deep intuition that is a consequence of our connection to the universe. Included is a subjective aspect comprised of intuition, aesthetic, spiritual, noetic and mystic sensibilities.

• 4. Comprehension of the universe comes from a sense of identity with it and a becoming one with it. Objective knowledge can give us some valuable information about reality but the scientific method with its detached view of observation and replication of data is not recognized as a complete method of investigation.

• 5. The notion of determinism in the universe is not a concept in wholeness science.

• 6. Scientific theories are not absolute and are more temporal in nature, changing as new data is uncovered. Present inquiry into the nature of consciousness is birthing the notion that consciousness may in fact be either the source of all reality or is evolving simultaneously with the physical universe.

• 7. Human beings have many needs and desires that include: survival, safety, a sense of belonging, a need for achievement, the need to self-actualize, and a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives, etc. Given that humanity is a part of the whole (of the universe), is it logical to assume that these characteristics are also aspects of the universe as well. Thus, we can conclude that the universe has a definite purpose and direction.

• 8. Separateness phenomenon should be explored in more depth for greater understanding versus putting more effort into studying meaningful coincidences.

• 9. The various known states of consciousness from all cultures should be explored in depth and employed in furthering our understanding of our universe and other dimensions of reality.

• 10. Understanding ontogenesis, morphogenesis, regeneration, and related biological phenomena will need to be approached from a framework of consciousness related to the constructs of “image” or “idea”.

Implications of a Holistic Science

The suggestions for creating a science of wholeness are not predicated on negating or disregarding older scientific research, findings or practice or concluding that our previous scientific beliefs were wrong, in error or were mistaken. Many have been discarded due to their lack of utility and accuracy but we must accept the fact that they were based on the limited availability of information at the time the inquiries were being made. As new information made its appearance, our understanding has changed and this has been so in all endeavors of human investigation. In fact, as scientific activity increases, scientific verities have a much shorter lifespan and are constantly being replaced as more conclusive data is discovered. This process can also produce uncertainty and a sense of tentativeness to believe in anything, but it is a fact of life we must learn to live with.

What we need to do now is to expand the philosophy and methodology of science so it can more effectively meet the needs of our growing global societies and allow us to reach our ultimate evolutionary destiny. This means reaching beyond our traditional notions of what reality is so we can interact with it in a more sophisticated and comprehensive manner and ultimately enhance understanding, purpose and meaning in our lives.

Some of the possible and likely outcomes of such an expansion of science would include:

A different attitude towards the natural world including living a green lifestyle, taking care of the planet in a sustainable fashion, preserving species and habitats, honoring the Earth’s carrying capacity and refraining from technologies that pollute or otherwise harm the environment.

Being more sympathetic to research related to meaningful coincidences such as paranormal or religious phenomena.

Increased research in the area of expanded states of consciousness.

The promotion of a worldview that supports the highest values of all societies.

Science is a vital discipline and tool for inquiry into the wonders of the universe. If used wisely, it can open our consciousness to the unfathomable mysteries yet to be discovered.

References:

Veak, Tyler. “J. Baird Callicott’s Earth Insights.”Journal of Capitalism Nature Socialism, Volume 10, 1999, Issue 4, pp.127- 39, Published online 25 Feb. 2009,tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10455759909358889?journalCode=rcns20. Accessed 31 May 2020.

New Metaphysical Foundations of Modern Science. Edited by Willis Harman with Jane Clark, @1994 by the Institute of Noetic Sciences. If You Think About It, You Will See That It Is True by Vine Deloria Jr., pp. 287-317. Accessed 31 May 2020.

New Metaphysical Foundations of Modern Science Edited by Willis Harman with Jane Clark, @1994 by the Institute of Noetic Sciences. Toward a Science of Wholeness, by Willis Harman, pp. 375-394. Accessed 31 May 2020.