John F. Kennedy University
CNS 5010
Paradigms of Consciousness
Spring 2007
Professor: Christian de Quincey, PhD
Tel: 650-560-0200
Course Description
A paradigm is a framework of beliefs about reality shared by a community and affirmed through
communal behavior. A “paradigm of consciousness” is a system of beliefs about the nature of
consciousness and how it relates to physical reality. Society today is a result of past paradigms of
consciousness. This course explores the emerging “new” paradigm of holism—a shift from a
mechanistic/separatist worldview to a creative, dynamic process of dialogue, feedback,
integration and interrelationship. We will examine the four major worldviews that attempt to
explain how consciousness relates to the physical world (dualism, materialism, idealism, and
panpsychism), and we will see that all other paradigms of consciousness are a variation or
combination of these.
With this background, the class is well prepared to see the larger evolutionary picture: How
paradigms have changed over the centuries: from Indigenous (“magical”), to pre-Classical
(mytho-poetic) to Classical (birth of reason and philosophical dualism) to pre-modern
(medieval religious dualism), to modern (Cartesian/Newtonian materialism/mechanism), to
various postmodern (deconstructionist and constructionist-process) philosophies. We will see
how systems holism qualifies as a postmodern paradigm, and how it relates to the perennial
philosophy (which views consciousness as primary and primordial). In this course, we will
examine the implications of a holistic-integral paradigm for personal and global peacemaking,
community building, and conflict resolution.
Throughout the course, students are guided to personalize the notion of “paradigms,” by
recognizing the limitations of all beliefs as ways to know reality. We will see how “personal
paradigms” are microcosms of larger cultural paradigms, and how our personal paradigms are
embedded in and conditioned by wider cultural belief systems. Students are encouraged to
examine their own beliefs (especially those “cherished” beliefs they just know to be true), and to
explore the possibilities of learning and knowing via experience beyond belief.
This introduces, experientially, the possibility of a meta-paradigm shift—not just from one set of
beliefs to some other (presumably preferable) set of beliefs. Instead, we will examine what it
means to move beyond beliefs altogether as a way to engage with the world.
In the final weeks of the course, we will switch from an intellectual approach to exploring
practical and ethical implications of the various worldviews. We will experience Bohmian
Dialogue as a way to shift from a concept-dominated view of the world to a more intuitive and
feeling-based one.
Throughout, students are assigned the task of monitoring the media for “signs of a world
awakening”—reports in the media that indicate some awareness or application of the principles
of either systems holism or the perennial philosophy, signs that perhaps a paradigm shift is
underway. Students will present their “media reports” in class to small groups. On a different
Syllabus: CNS 5010—Paradigms of Consciousness
de Quincey
week, they will present, also in small groups, their own personal myth that creatively reveals the
essence of their own paradigms, telling the story of their own life—where they came from, who
they are, where they are going. After this course, students will be equipped to face the world
from the perspective of an enriched and expanded worldview.
Course objectives

To examine the nature of paradigms and paradigm shifts, and their impact on modern
society, and personal growth.

To explore the emerging paradigm of holism as it relates to science, creativity,
psychology, health, ecology, peace-making, and conflict resolution.

On successfully completing this course, students will be able to understand and articulate
the four basic paradigms of consciousness (dualism, materialism, idealism, panpsychism)
and how they fit into an integral evolutionary perspective—from indigenous to
postmodern worldviews.
Required texts

Radical nature: Rediscovering the soul of matter. Christian de Quincey. Montpelier, VT:
Invisible Cities Press (2002).

Paradigm wars: Worldviews for a new age. Mark B. Woodhouse. Berkeley, CA: Frog
Ltd (1996).

Course reader: Paradigms of Consciousness. C. de Quincey(ed.). Pleasant Hill, CA:
John F. Kennedy University (2005).

Video: MindWalk: A film for passionate thinkers Written and directed by Fritjof Capra.
(1991). (All required and recommended videos available in JFKU library.)

Blank notebook: Create your own “Paradigms Sourcebook.” Monitor the media for
“signs of a world awakening,” and jot down notes (or paste in clippings) to use later in
class. Use notebook for building a “Paradigms Glossary” of unfamiliar terms.
Course Requirements

Attendance, punctuality, and completed reading/viewing assignments.

In-class presentations and take-home essay questions. (Please make copies of all papers
submitted.) Mid-term exam: Draft of responses to exam questions. Final exam:
integrating and expressing what you have learned about the principles of holism and the
perennial philosophy, and how you apply them to your life and work.
Grading

Grading: Credit/No Credit

No incompletes (except in emergencies)
2
Syllabus: CNS 5010—Paradigms of Consciousness
de Quincey
Recommended additional reading
Ani, M. (1994), Yurugu: An African-centered critique of European cultural thought and
behavior.
Blackmore, S. (2004), Consciousness: An introduction. New York, NY: Oxford U. P.
Capra, F. (1980), The turning point: Science, society, and the rising culture. New York, NY:
Simon & Schuster.
Carter, R. (2002), Exploring consciousness. Berkeley, CA: U. California Press.
de Quincey, C. (2005), Radical knowing: Understanding consciousness through relationship.
Rochester, VT: Park Street Press.
Freeman, A. (2003), Consciousness: A guide to the debates. Santa Barbara, CA: ABCCLIO.
Gleason, B. (2001), Mortal spirit: A theory of spiritual-somatic evolution. Lincoln, NE:
iUniverse/Writers Club Press.
Halliday, E. (1989), Reflexive self-consciousness. Parklands, Cheshire, UK: The Melchisedec
Press.
Hammer, O. (2004), Claiming knowledge: Strategies of epistemology from Theosophy to the
new age. Boston, MA: Brill.
Hanegraaff, W. J. (1998), New age religion and western culture: Esotericism in the mirror of
secular thought. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press.
Harman, W. (1998) Global mind change: The promise of the 21st century. San Francisco,
CA: Berrett-Koehler.
Harner, M. (1980), The way of the shaman: A guide to power and healing. New York, NY:
Harper & Row
Hobson, J.A. (1999), Consciousness. New York, NY: Scientific American Library.
Keen, S. & Valley-Fox, A. (1973), Your mythic journey: Finding meaning in your life
through writing and storytelling. New York, NY: Tarcher/Putnam.
Koestler, A. (1979), Janus: A summing up. New York, NY: Vintage Books.
Kuhn, T. (1962), The structure of scientific revolutions. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago
Press
Lachman, G. (2003), A secret history of consciousness. Great Barrington, MA: Lindisfarne
Lemkow, A. L. (1995), The wholeness principle: Dynamics of unity within science, religion
& society. Wheaton, IL: Quest Books.
Loewenstein, W. R. (1999), The touchstone of life: Molecular information, cell
communication and the foundations of life. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Liedloff J. (1977), The continuum concept: Allowing human nature to work successfully.
Menlo Park, CA: Addison-Wesley.
Matthews, F. (2003), For love of matter: A contemporary panpsychism. Albany, NY: SUNY.
3
Syllabus: CNS 5010—Paradigms of Consciousness
de Quincey
Wautischer, H. (1998), Tribal epistemologies: Essays in the philosophy of anthropology.
Aldershot, UK: Ashgate.
Whitehead, A. N. (1925), Science and the modern world. New York, NY: The Free Press.
Young, A. (1976), The reflexive universe: Evolution of consciousness. Berkeley, CA: Robert
Briggs Assoc.
Zeman, A. (2002), Consciousness: A user’s guide. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.
Be Sure to Read Syllabus Each Week to Clarify Homework Assignments
4
Syllabus: CNS 5010—Paradigms of Consciousness
de Quincey
Course Schedule
Week 1: Introductions/Course Overview: What is Consciousness?
What this week is about Introductions and overview of the course. Clarification of
expectations for this class. Discussion of key concepts: “consciousness” and “paradigm.” Begin
keeping a “glossary” to help with final exam.
Short Lecture: “Meanings of Consciousness.”
HOMEWORK FOR NEXT WEEK: Read selections from texts (see below: Week 2).
Monitor the Media Each Week for Signs of a World Awakening:
Evidence of Holism/Conflict Resolution at Work in the World
Week 2: What is a Paradigm?
What this week is about: Models of reality. Understanding paradigms, and how they relate to
consciousness. How paradigms shape consciousness, and how consciousness creates paradigms.
Can we know which paradigm best matches reality? How do paradigms influence our beliefs, our
behaviors, our relationships, our cultural institutions—such as philosophy, science, religion,
medicine, education, economics—and ecological balance?
Readings for this week—(in the following order):
# of pages
1. Reader: “Power of a Paradigm” by S. Covey
{24
2. Reader: “Paradigms & Paradoxes” by C. de Quincey
{11
3. Text-1: Paradigm Wars by M. Woodhouse [pp. 1-70]
{71
Presentation: “Switched-On Consciousness.”
Short Lecture: “The Nature of Paradigms.”
Small-group discussion: “What’s my worldview?”
Remember to Monitor the Media &
Take Your “Paradigms Glossary” to Class Each Week.
5
Syllabus: CNS 5010—Paradigms of Consciousness
de Quincey
6
Syllabus: CNS 5010—Paradigms of Consciousness
de Quincey
Homework Assignment for Week 3:
Understanding paradigms is relevant to your studies. Give your reasons (1 page).
Week 3: Paradigm Shift: Holism
What this week is about: Holism: a “new” worldview. Perennial philosophy: an ancient
paradigm. Systems perspectives: Does systems holism always include consciousness? Key
elements of the emerging worldview. Problems with the perennial philosophy.
Readings for this week—(in the following order):
1. Text-1: Paradigm Wars by M. Woodhouse [pp. 71-104]
2. Text-2: Radical Nature by C. de Quincey [“Intro: The Paradox of Consciousness”]
3. Text-2: Radical Nature [Chpt. 6: Section: “Problems with Perennial Philosophy”]
4. Reader: “Guidelines for Writing Your Personal Myth” by C. de Quincey
5. Reader: “Summary of Paradigms” by C. de Quincey
6. Reader: “The Long, Hard Road to Adulthood” by Loraine Filipek
{34
{10
{06
{03
(01
{06
Lecture: “Two Faces of ‘Emerging Paradigm’.”
Small-group dialogue: “Systems Holism & Perennial Philosophy.”
Video suggestion: “Canticle of the Cosmos” series by Brian Swimme
Remember to Work on Your (Take-Home) Final Exam Every Week
Week 4: Hierarchy & Interconnectedness
What this week is about: The holographic paradigm of one-in-many. Interconnectedness: a
common theme in mysticism, holism, perennial philosophy, systems theory, and quantum
physics. The Great Chain of Being. Exploring the issue of hierarchy. Introducing “holarchy” and
“holons.”
Readings for this week—(in the following order):
1. Text-1: Paradigm Wars by M. Woodhouse [pp. 205-242]
2. Reader: “The Pattern That Connects” by Ken Wilber
3. Reader: “Rehabilitating Hierarchy” by C. de Quincey
{37
{23
{27
7
Syllabus: CNS 5010—Paradigms of Consciousness
de Quincey
Lecture: “Four Gifts of Knowning” and “Different Kinds of Hierarchies”
Small group dialogue: “Are Hierarchies Good or Bad?”
Week 5: New Cosmology Story
Due this week: First Draft of Final Exam
What this week is about: Old and new paradigms of consciousness. Fields and the new physics.
Beyond dualism, materialism, and idealism to a “radical naturalism” and a new story of the
cosmos. Evolution of science: from mechanism to meaning. Holism, quantum physics, and the
implicate order.
Assignments for this week—(in the following order):
1. Text-1: Paradigm Wars by M. Woodhouse [pp. 154-181]
{28
2. Text-2: Radical Nature by C. de Quincey [Chapters 1 - 3]
{36
3. Reader: “Major Worldviews on Mind/Body”
{02
4. Reader: “Cosmos and Communion”
{28
5. VIDEO REQUIREMENT (available at JFKU Library):
“MindWalk” by F. Capra [110 mins.]
Optional: “What the Bleep Do We Know?” movie.
Lecture: “Major Worldviews on Mind-Body Problem”
Small-group dialogue: Discuss “MindWalk.”
Week 6: Energy & Consciousness
What this week is about: Energy talk. In-depth look at the thorniest issue in “new age”
metaphysics: Is consciousness a form of energy? If not, just what is consciousness?
Readings for this week—(in the following order):
1. Text-1: Paradigm Wars by M. Woodhouse [pp. 182-204]
{22
2. Text-2: Radical Nature [Chapter. 4: “Language, Energy, & Consciousness”]
{28
2. Reader: “Energy Monism” by M. Woodhouse
{04
3. Reader: “Energy Talk” by L. Dossey
{05
4. Reader: “Energy Talk” by C. Clarke
{01
Short lecture: “Why Consciousness is not Energy”
8
Syllabus: CNS 5010—Paradigms of Consciousness
de Quincey
Small-group dialogue: “What is Consciousness?”
Week 7: Living Systems
What this week is about: Introducing the biological dimension of holism and systems theory.
Order out of chaos through self-organizing systems. The idea of Earth as a living system (Gaia
hypothesis). Natural resources, agriculture, industry, and the population explosion. The long
lineage of mind-in-matter. Have humans broken an evolutionary covenant?
Readings for this week—(in the following order):
1. Text: Paradigm Wars by M. Woodhouse [pp. 250-277]
{26
2. Text-2: Radical Nature by C. de Quincey [Chapter 6]
{34
3. Reader: “The Boiling Frog” by D. Quinn
{18
4. Reader: “Up In Arms About Being Put Down” by C. de Quincey
{12
Lecture: “The Human Predicament”
Small group dialogue: “How could we apply living systems theory in our lives?”
DUE WEEK 8: MEDIA ASSIGNMENT & PRESENTATION
Week 8: Holism & Society-1: Conflict Resolution
What this week is about: Presentations of media critiques highlighting an event, or report of an
event, that illustrates a “sign of a world awakening”—a holistic or reconciliatory perspective
(e.g., in social relations, government, law, business, education, health, or ecology).
HOMEWORK FOR THIS WEEK:
1. Text: Paradigm Wars by M. Woodhouse [pp. 404-438]
{35
2. Reader: “The Story So Far . . .” by C. de Quincey
{04
3. Reader: “The Practice of Conflict Resolution” by A. Mindell
{14
4. Media Critique: In addition to assigned reading, monitor the media and prepare a one- page
report on a newspaper/magazine article or on a TV/radio program that expresses a
holistic/reconciliatory perspective. Include:
—Source and date of article/program
—Main points discussed in article/program
—State how this article/program reflects holistic paradigm
—Write your critique (response) to the content and perspective of the article/program
9
Syllabus: CNS 5010—Paradigms of Consciousness
de Quincey
No lecture.
Small-group presentations: Present your “media critique” to small group. Discuss presentations
in small groups.
Homework for Week 10: Write up 1-page “Personal Myth/Who Am I?”
DUE WEEK 9: PERSONAL MYTH & PRESENTATION
Week 9: Holism & Society-2: Global Perspectives
What this week is about: Holism at work on the world stage: Hunger and the Third World. a
holistic view of mind and body. Consciousness and matter: a cosmic perspective. The power of
personal myth. In small groups: Explore and discuss how the principles of holism could
transform your own worldview. Build on what you have learned in this course to explore how
you would use the technique of personal myth-making/creative storytelling to symbolically
express the transformative power of holism in your life and the lives of others.
Readings for this week:
1. Reader: “Societal Affairs: A Planetary Overview” by A. Lemkow
{36
2. Reader: “Guidelines for Writing Your Personal Myth” (revisited)
{03
3. Reader: “Dialogue: Consciousness & Cosmology” by C. de Quincey
{10
Small-group presentations: Present your “Personal Myth” to small group. Discuss
presentations in small groups.
No lecture. Introduction to Bohmian Dialogue
Week 10: Dialogue: A ‘Meta-Paradigm of Consciousness’
What this week is about: Experiential exploration of the power of “sacred silence” in the
context of Bohmian Dialogue. “Feeling your thinking” as a way to transcend the trance of
paradigms, and to cultivate experience beyond belief.
Readings for this week—(in the following order):
1. Text: Paradigm Wars by M. Woodhouse [pp. 307-348; & 439-475]
{77
10
Syllabus: CNS 5010—Paradigms of Consciousness
de Quincey
2. Reader: from “Your Mythic Journey” by Sam Keen
{14
Total pages to read this week:
{91}
Bohmian Dialogue: Whole group.
11
Syllabus: CNS 5010—Paradigms of Consciousness
de Quincey
Week 11: Dialogue & ‘The Four Gifts of Knowing’
Due This Week:
• Completed Final Exam/Paper (15-18 pages)
• Your “Holism Myth/Vision” (1-2 pages)
• Your Media Report (1 page)
What this week is about: Reflect on the journey we have traveled together for the past eleven
weeks, and look beyond to how we may apply what we have learned in our “real lives” outside the
classroom—e.g., in holistic health, business, education, arts, ecology, and gender issues. Overview
of “The Four Gifts of Knowing” (senses, reason, feeling, intuition).
Readings for this week:
1. Text-2: Radical Nature by C. de Quincey [Chapter 10]
2. Reader: “Cosmic Time” by Sam Keen
{20
{23
Bohmian Dialogue: Whole group.
Remember to include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like your papers
returned to you.
12