Summary

The purpose of this website has been to raise and discuss perennial questions that have been debated by philosophers for many centuries. The positions taken in the various essays represent the views of the author. In each case, a single viewpoint among many that could be offered is presented for the major questions considered. Readers who wish to offer suggestions, feedback, criticism, or present their own alternative points of views to the various questions raised are invited to do so by contacting the author here.

This final section offers a summary of some critical points that outline the complete paradigm inherent in the preceding essays. The following points are some of the essential takeaways that this site as a whole intends to convey:

Nature is conscious and exhibits attributes of consciousness for all of its systems from atoms to galaxies. The Cosmos does not behave like a machine but is a self-organizing, evolving entity. It cannot be directly compared to organisms or plants on earth as we know them, yet it displays certain aspects of consciousness. As a conscious being, it may be regarded as fundamentally sacred.

Reality is larger than the observable, physical universe and contains multiple nonphysical dimensions. What is real is not limited to the physical universe observable through human senses. There are other, subtle domains accessible through insight, intuition, and revelation.

Knowledge based on direct intuition can be just as valid and necessary as empirical knowledge based on the senses. Empirical science reveals the lawful order of nature understood through the senses. The humanities and religion explore the interior aspects of nature that are primarily grasped through intuition and revelation. Both are necessary for a complete understanding of the Cosmos.

Fundamentally all of us are joined as one. Nothing is independent of any other thing. All of us are united in consciousness at the highest (or deepest) level. We are united together not just as the collective consciousness of humanity but literally with all that is conscious throughout the Universe. The religions of the world have attempted to grasp and articulate the underlying reality that there is only one, unitary Source out of which flows everything we perceive to be discrete.

Feminine values of interdependency, cooperation, and respect for the earth are a central to improved harmony and interdependency among human beings throughout the world. Long-dominant masculine, patriarchal values need to give way to an integration with reemerging, traditionally feminine values. Increased value placed on interconnectedness and cooperation are needed to counterbalance the prevailing patriarchal, male-dominant ethos governing politics and government activities in many different parts of the world.

The basis for ethics is not socially constructed rules relative to each culture but is to be found in the natural order of the universe. To act in a loving, compassionate way is merely to live in alignment with the inherent order of nature (Cosmos) and one’s soul as a part of that nature. “Ought” reduces to “is.” What we ought to do is simply to live to the best of our ability in harmony with the Cosmic Order (“logos” in Greek philosophy, “Divine Will” in Christianity, “Dharma” in Buddhism, or the “Tao” in Taoism).


Value Shifts

Human beings are not, of course, purely mental creatures. Belief changes are inevitably accompanied by changes in values. Shifts in the way we view the world profoundly impact our priorities and values, and ultimately the ways we behave. Our beliefs, values, and behaviors are inextricably interwoven and tend to shift concurrently and synergistically.

As the future world eventually begins to embrace more enlightened perspectives, what are some of the fundamental shifts in values likely to occur?

Increased reverence and respect for the earth and all forms of life upon it. The earth will come to be understood as a sacred matrix with which we are interdependent, rather than something to be exploited for material gain.

Development of compassion rather than prejudice toward peoples whose race, nationality, religion, ethnic group, or economic status differ from our own. This means acceptance of all human beings as part of the same community, equal before Divinity and deserving of equal rights to health, livelihood, safety, and prosperity.

Greater priority is given to personal and spiritual growth over materialistic values of acquisition and consumption.
Each of us learns to give greater priority to finding peace within ourselves rather than striving for outer success. This includes increased recognition of the importance of aligning our personal life with the rhythm and flow of the earth, and indeed the larger Cosmos.

Embracing nonlinear, intuitive ways of knowing the world. Understanding that such ways of knowing provide a deeper insight into the “symbolic” or “interior” face of the Cosmos, as opposed to sensory ways of knowing that provide scientific information about the outer, objective face. While reason and logic have their place, intuition offers additional, often uncanny guidance for problem solving that cannot be found through reason alone.

Honoring unconditional love and forgiveness as the highest values in all of our relations with others. If we are “all one,” then to harm another person is to harm oneself. We begin to learn that the operative question in any interpersonal situation is truly “What is the most loving thing to do?”

* * *

The content of this site has been largely conceptual. Answering perennial questions of philosophy and presenting a particular viewpointof "how everything works" is an exercise in speculation. As mentioned, comments and feedback on the content of any or all of the essays of this site are welcome.

Website by Edmund Bourne, Ph.D. For Dr Bourne's other work in the field of anxiety disorders, see his website Helpforanxiety.com or his well known book, The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook. For his prior work on the topic of global transformation, see his book Global Shift.