Dr. Purdy is a member of the International Listening Assoc., ILA; The Jean Gebser society for the study of civilizational consciousness;, and Vice Chair of the Global Listening Centre, Kolkata, India; and on several journal editorial boards.
This article recognizes our global climate crisis, and the urgent need for action. The UN’s lates... more This article recognizes our global climate crisis, and the urgent need for action. The UN’s latest “Doomsday” report is a call to listen and respond. We begin this article with a philosophy that supports listening to the whole environment, a receptivity that grounds listening with an encompassing ecological awareness. This philosophy is necessarily grounded in a living community, but a community that is not just sustainable, but one that must thrive and flourish . This philosophy section will be short, as we want to focus on communication and community, and how they must be listening in such a way as to include ecology /environment as part of our extended community. It is also important to know where to listen. This philosophy must include expansion of our feelings, senses, perceptions, and apperceptions, and describes necessary behaviors and actions that encompass the fullness of nature and ecology (Greek: the study of our dwelling, home). Social media can bring information and connect communities superficially, but the deep relationships that support successful action must be realized through rich face-to-face community building. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of what this listening style would include, and some suggestions for expanding listening awareness.
There is ancient wisdom that the path to the spiritual, as well as success in life, comes through... more There is ancient wisdom that the path to the spiritual, as well as success in life, comes through love, meditation and service—for some it is the double act: love and serve. There is also the maxim that service is as important as meditation (prayer), and valuable for human spiritual development. If we attend to the needs of the other we forget our own needs and advance spiritually. That said we must recognize that listening is a potent form of service for relationships, communities, and ultimately for humanity itself. We say giving is more important than receiving, but listening is a giving that is a true gift. (this paper is copyrighted by the Global Listening Center)
Governors State U. of IL, USA It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of... more Governors State U. of IL, USA It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen. Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894) Why listen cosmically? What do we mean by cosmic? Wisdom is the desire of our global world. Ours is a global society, with many cultures, each with its own perspectives, and each a unique worldview. It was Nietzsche who said that if we are attentive (receptive/listening), we will realize that we are able to experience and understand something more encompassing than any single culture, perspective or worldview. Our practical, everyday lives limit our experience but also allow us to know that there is more to our experience than our own individual worldview. If we are able to differentiate or become aware of a cultural perspective or a identify a worldview we must already have a more encompassing understanding; we can " see " this particular perspective and differentiate it from other perspectives. We know (hear) this larger " view " by the fact that we are actually part of a much larger more encompassing (global) field within which these more limited views are included. The cosmic is more than any single cultural perspective or group of lived worlds or views—although, we could also argue that there is only one world with many " lived-worlds " depending on the culture you inhabit and experience every day. One intimate way we know the world is through listening, being receptive. This has been the accepted wisdom across most of the cultures and civilizations of the world since the earliest of times. Here we sketch out the common theme of listening across cultures, listening cosmically, and suggest why and how we can share our common humanity through listening to each other. We know this wisdom from our histories and our stories, and now we must adapt it to the demands of the late modern world. Finally adapting to the late modern world requires the essential human behaviors that have made us successful over human development and are still relevant today. And in addition, our current times call for listening as central to realizing our global and cosmic connections as humans. Listening can be understood at many levels; however, the importance of listening resonates across all civilizations, all cultural worlds. Listening is essential, everyday practice in every culture and is spoken of in the classical sayings of just about every culture. Listening has been celebrated as an important behavior by sages from all walks of life. Zen masters, Hindu and Sikh gurus, tribal leaders, and Western saints, popes and intellectuals, have all given credence to the critical
This paper begins with the mutation of Integral awareness from the predominance of the mental con... more This paper begins with the mutation of Integral awareness from the predominance of the mental consciousness (as inscribed by listening, patience and reason). This raises the question of what is happening with mental consciousness—and especially the efficient mental; and it raises concerns about efficient/deficient consciousness in general, and how this plays into Gebser’s position on the mutation to the integral. The mental era began 8-10K, or more, years ago with the rise of the cities. We should not be surprised if the integrating cosmic field is a bit wobbly—or delayed—in getting started. Gebser says (1985), that as structures are described, the efficient arises first in the transition to a new structure. If this is the case what can we say about our present mutational era which does not seem very efficient? Maybe we are still in the divisiveness of the deficient mental-rational? Or, maybe Gebser was wrong and a deficient integral can arise or be mixed with the efficient. Or perhaps this is a misreading of Gebser’s efficient/deficient conceptualization—and indeed this will be a starting point for rethinking mutation and the (anonymous) integrating awareness (I use the word consciousness when implying conceptualization and awareness when referencing the happening of the newest mutation). Certainly, in the midst of the integral mutation crisis listening (as well as patience and reason as sketched at last year’s conference) is critical for human thriving.
Why listen cosmically? What do we mean by cosmic? Ours is a global society, with many cultures, p... more Why listen cosmically? What do we mean by cosmic? Ours is a global society, with many cultures, perspectives, and worldviews. It was Nietzsche who said that if we are attentive (receptive/listening), we will realize that we are able to experience and understand something more encompassing than any single culture, perspective or worldview. If we are able to differentiate or become aware of a cultural perspective or a worldview we must already have a more encompassing understanding so we can " see " this particular perspective and differentiate it from other perspectives. We know this larger view by the fact that we are actually part of a much larger more encompassing (global) field within which these more limited views are included. The cosmic is more than any single cultural perspective or group of lived worlds or views—although we could also argue that there is only one world with many " lived-worlds. " Listening can be understood at many levels; however, the importance of listening resonates across all civilizations. Listening is essential, everyday practice in every culture and is spoken of in the classical sayings of just about every culture. Listening has been celebrated as an important behavior by sages from all walks of life. Zen masters, Hindu and Sikh gurus, tribal leaders, as well as western saints and intellectuals, have all given credence to the critical importance of listening and receptivity—as part of the larger importance of awareness.
Summary/Abstract
This paper is an overview of the “evolution” of human awareness. It builds on a... more Summary/Abstract This paper is an overview of the “evolution” of human awareness. It builds on an earlier paper by Purdy (2000) in the International Journal of Listening: Listening and Structures of Consciousness. That paper discussed the modes of listening for each era of human “evolution.” This new paper derives from the same source (the philosopher Jean Gebser, primary source 1985) but rather approaches human development in terms of the human actions that support our listening abilities and our critical need for receptivity in the late modern era. The capabilities of trust, care, curiosity, and patience ground and support the need for listening in the modern world and each will be discussed as it supports listening as essential. In addition, this “method” will be bolstered by an extensive case study of effective teams at Google (Alphabet) supporting this paradigm.
Jean Gebser has described five structures of consciousness: archaic, magic, mythic, mental, and t... more Jean Gebser has described five structures of consciousness: archaic, magic, mythic, mental, and the currently emerging integral. Each of these structures correlates with "historical" and current styles of communication operating in human communication relationships. The archaic and magical are alien styles of communication from the perspective of modern communication scholars. The mythic and rational are best known as modes of communication in Eastern (including most of Africa) and Western culture, respectively. Most interesting, perhaps, is the description of communication within the presently emerging integral consciousness structure which some say is literate while others say it is a new orality. Is the emerging integral communication style oral, literate, or what?
What was Gebser attempting to do in writing the Ever–Present Origin (EPO. What did he hope to acc... more What was Gebser attempting to do in writing the Ever–Present Origin (EPO. What did he hope to accomplish with this monumental two volume work. In looking for a way to comment meaningfully on Gebser’s project I searched many avenues of thought but I also interviewed four of the people (Al Mickunas, Noel Barstad, Elizabeth Behnke, Georg Feuerstein) whom I felt knew Jean Gebser’s work best.
This is about how to determine what is metaphysics based on "criteria" for verifying (Veritioning... more This is about how to determine what is metaphysics based on "criteria" for verifying (Veritioning) through evidence and method. Main points covered: What is Metaphysics—Experience + “Method” How does Metaphysics concern Gebser? Greek origins—not Ontology, but Grounded A brief history of Metaphysics & “Method” Gebser’s verification for modes of awareness from archaic body to Verition and Dialogue
So the run by a postmodern individual (Jameson), away from the late modern technology laden world... more So the run by a postmodern individual (Jameson), away from the late modern technology laden world, a run into the woods, is no escape. And indeed we can generalize that escape is not possible. And in a similar argument we can say that modern movements that take up the ancient art of the shamanic, or which claim to follow the path of the shamanic are also caught in the upsurgence of the integral awareness. That is the nature of the shamanic experience which is transformed in the move of late modern peoples to find wholeness and integration. Shamanism, the magical power of nature is itself transformed in the processes of modern cultures. This is a matter of how the shamanic, an aspect of the magical consciousness, is articulated, and what hermeneutics are at work in the transformation of the magical in the contemporary world. So we need to be careful that we are not seeking power or some goal in shamanism, that is not what the shamanic is about.
Latest research (2015) says 50% genes, 50% nature. Also, there is skepticism about identical tw... more Latest research (2015) says 50% genes, 50% nature. Also, there is skepticism about identical twin studies which have tended to seek out similarities in identical twins when we now know twins can be quite unique in style, mood, and manner of communicating. Twins are not only interesting in and of themselves, the extensive research on twins in pursuit of the influence of genetics on human behavior also has interesting implications for the field of communication. The results of the nature/nurture battle are in and we now have a clearer picture of the effects of genes. Further, we can learn a great deal from twins about what it means to have intimacy and a strong identity with others in a communication relationship . Genetics and the issues of identity and intimacy can provide an interesting basis for exploring the assumptions built into our theories of communication. Do our theories imply that we should strive for greater identity and intimacy? Do our theories suggest that we should work to achieve an overlap of experience to be successful? Is a stress on the importance of experiential overlap a meaningful theoretical bias in a world of pluralism and multiculturalism? These are challenging avenues to explore as we continue in a world that seems to become more diverse and less intimate in many ways.
Arjuna listens and learns of his duty. At the beginning of the Geeta we find Arjuna in a state o... more Arjuna listens and learns of his duty. At the beginning of the Geeta we find Arjuna in a state of dejection and anguish. Arjuna's despondency results from him not understanding his duty. We also, from time-to-time, find life difficult and depressing. Like Arjuna we may not know what to do. We can however learn from Arjuna. What did Arjuna do in his time of doubt? Did he yell and complain? Did he talk to Krishna? Not much. Krishna does most of the talking in the Geeta. Arjuna respectfully asks questions of Krishna so that he may learn and then mostly listens intently.
Realistic self portraits are a modern phenomenon of the west (though not all are realistic). The ... more Realistic self portraits are a modern phenomenon of the west (though not all are realistic). The study of self–portraits in painting and photography provides interesting insights about self and self awareness. Self is often a constructed identity in the modern era defined by various reflections. However, when we consider the origins and elaboration of self awareness in the modern era we realize that “reflection” is a polysemic embodiment and we will elaborate on three modes of reflection in this study: proto-reflection, reflection, and multi-reflection. This presentation goes to the heart of “subjectivity” as self inclusion (Mickunas) which, when considered phenomenologically, is not centered on the ego, but on self in context. This study is illustrated by a selective history of self portraits in painting and photography and closes with my own self–portrait photographs.
In many ways the Western model for communication is similar to that for health care––rational and... more In many ways the Western model for communication is similar to that for health care––rational and instrumental––there are other life worlds besides the Western rational life world. Seeking the roots of health care and communication in human life worlds provides alternatives (ranging from a community model to a democratic model) for health care communication. This study looks at human life worlds and the implied health care models and then proposes a general model for service communication for health and welfare––and human services in general.
International Assoc. of Health Communication, Jul 1, 2002
The gist of this paper is that “listening as connecting” is an elemental way of serving others in... more The gist of this paper is that “listening as connecting” is an elemental way of serving others in a supportive relationship. It is most important to emphasize this relationship in the everyday world of work and service. And further, that any serious sense of service relies on this basic quality of relationship—listening as connecting—prior to any established agenda. In support of this way of listening this paper reviews selected literature in the fields of listening, religion/spirituality and philosophy, and sorts out a coherent sense of listening as connecting.
This article recognizes our global climate crisis, and the urgent need for action. The UN’s lates... more This article recognizes our global climate crisis, and the urgent need for action. The UN’s latest “Doomsday” report is a call to listen and respond. We begin this article with a philosophy that supports listening to the whole environment, a receptivity that grounds listening with an encompassing ecological awareness. This philosophy is necessarily grounded in a living community, but a community that is not just sustainable, but one that must thrive and flourish . This philosophy section will be short, as we want to focus on communication and community, and how they must be listening in such a way as to include ecology /environment as part of our extended community. It is also important to know where to listen. This philosophy must include expansion of our feelings, senses, perceptions, and apperceptions, and describes necessary behaviors and actions that encompass the fullness of nature and ecology (Greek: the study of our dwelling, home). Social media can bring information and connect communities superficially, but the deep relationships that support successful action must be realized through rich face-to-face community building. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of what this listening style would include, and some suggestions for expanding listening awareness.
There is ancient wisdom that the path to the spiritual, as well as success in life, comes through... more There is ancient wisdom that the path to the spiritual, as well as success in life, comes through love, meditation and service—for some it is the double act: love and serve. There is also the maxim that service is as important as meditation (prayer), and valuable for human spiritual development. If we attend to the needs of the other we forget our own needs and advance spiritually. That said we must recognize that listening is a potent form of service for relationships, communities, and ultimately for humanity itself. We say giving is more important than receiving, but listening is a giving that is a true gift. (this paper is copyrighted by the Global Listening Center)
Governors State U. of IL, USA It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of... more Governors State U. of IL, USA It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen. Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894) Why listen cosmically? What do we mean by cosmic? Wisdom is the desire of our global world. Ours is a global society, with many cultures, each with its own perspectives, and each a unique worldview. It was Nietzsche who said that if we are attentive (receptive/listening), we will realize that we are able to experience and understand something more encompassing than any single culture, perspective or worldview. Our practical, everyday lives limit our experience but also allow us to know that there is more to our experience than our own individual worldview. If we are able to differentiate or become aware of a cultural perspective or a identify a worldview we must already have a more encompassing understanding; we can " see " this particular perspective and differentiate it from other perspectives. We know (hear) this larger " view " by the fact that we are actually part of a much larger more encompassing (global) field within which these more limited views are included. The cosmic is more than any single cultural perspective or group of lived worlds or views—although, we could also argue that there is only one world with many " lived-worlds " depending on the culture you inhabit and experience every day. One intimate way we know the world is through listening, being receptive. This has been the accepted wisdom across most of the cultures and civilizations of the world since the earliest of times. Here we sketch out the common theme of listening across cultures, listening cosmically, and suggest why and how we can share our common humanity through listening to each other. We know this wisdom from our histories and our stories, and now we must adapt it to the demands of the late modern world. Finally adapting to the late modern world requires the essential human behaviors that have made us successful over human development and are still relevant today. And in addition, our current times call for listening as central to realizing our global and cosmic connections as humans. Listening can be understood at many levels; however, the importance of listening resonates across all civilizations, all cultural worlds. Listening is essential, everyday practice in every culture and is spoken of in the classical sayings of just about every culture. Listening has been celebrated as an important behavior by sages from all walks of life. Zen masters, Hindu and Sikh gurus, tribal leaders, and Western saints, popes and intellectuals, have all given credence to the critical
This paper begins with the mutation of Integral awareness from the predominance of the mental con... more This paper begins with the mutation of Integral awareness from the predominance of the mental consciousness (as inscribed by listening, patience and reason). This raises the question of what is happening with mental consciousness—and especially the efficient mental; and it raises concerns about efficient/deficient consciousness in general, and how this plays into Gebser’s position on the mutation to the integral. The mental era began 8-10K, or more, years ago with the rise of the cities. We should not be surprised if the integrating cosmic field is a bit wobbly—or delayed—in getting started. Gebser says (1985), that as structures are described, the efficient arises first in the transition to a new structure. If this is the case what can we say about our present mutational era which does not seem very efficient? Maybe we are still in the divisiveness of the deficient mental-rational? Or, maybe Gebser was wrong and a deficient integral can arise or be mixed with the efficient. Or perhaps this is a misreading of Gebser’s efficient/deficient conceptualization—and indeed this will be a starting point for rethinking mutation and the (anonymous) integrating awareness (I use the word consciousness when implying conceptualization and awareness when referencing the happening of the newest mutation). Certainly, in the midst of the integral mutation crisis listening (as well as patience and reason as sketched at last year’s conference) is critical for human thriving.
Why listen cosmically? What do we mean by cosmic? Ours is a global society, with many cultures, p... more Why listen cosmically? What do we mean by cosmic? Ours is a global society, with many cultures, perspectives, and worldviews. It was Nietzsche who said that if we are attentive (receptive/listening), we will realize that we are able to experience and understand something more encompassing than any single culture, perspective or worldview. If we are able to differentiate or become aware of a cultural perspective or a worldview we must already have a more encompassing understanding so we can " see " this particular perspective and differentiate it from other perspectives. We know this larger view by the fact that we are actually part of a much larger more encompassing (global) field within which these more limited views are included. The cosmic is more than any single cultural perspective or group of lived worlds or views—although we could also argue that there is only one world with many " lived-worlds. " Listening can be understood at many levels; however, the importance of listening resonates across all civilizations. Listening is essential, everyday practice in every culture and is spoken of in the classical sayings of just about every culture. Listening has been celebrated as an important behavior by sages from all walks of life. Zen masters, Hindu and Sikh gurus, tribal leaders, as well as western saints and intellectuals, have all given credence to the critical importance of listening and receptivity—as part of the larger importance of awareness.
Summary/Abstract
This paper is an overview of the “evolution” of human awareness. It builds on a... more Summary/Abstract This paper is an overview of the “evolution” of human awareness. It builds on an earlier paper by Purdy (2000) in the International Journal of Listening: Listening and Structures of Consciousness. That paper discussed the modes of listening for each era of human “evolution.” This new paper derives from the same source (the philosopher Jean Gebser, primary source 1985) but rather approaches human development in terms of the human actions that support our listening abilities and our critical need for receptivity in the late modern era. The capabilities of trust, care, curiosity, and patience ground and support the need for listening in the modern world and each will be discussed as it supports listening as essential. In addition, this “method” will be bolstered by an extensive case study of effective teams at Google (Alphabet) supporting this paradigm.
Jean Gebser has described five structures of consciousness: archaic, magic, mythic, mental, and t... more Jean Gebser has described five structures of consciousness: archaic, magic, mythic, mental, and the currently emerging integral. Each of these structures correlates with "historical" and current styles of communication operating in human communication relationships. The archaic and magical are alien styles of communication from the perspective of modern communication scholars. The mythic and rational are best known as modes of communication in Eastern (including most of Africa) and Western culture, respectively. Most interesting, perhaps, is the description of communication within the presently emerging integral consciousness structure which some say is literate while others say it is a new orality. Is the emerging integral communication style oral, literate, or what?
What was Gebser attempting to do in writing the Ever–Present Origin (EPO. What did he hope to acc... more What was Gebser attempting to do in writing the Ever–Present Origin (EPO. What did he hope to accomplish with this monumental two volume work. In looking for a way to comment meaningfully on Gebser’s project I searched many avenues of thought but I also interviewed four of the people (Al Mickunas, Noel Barstad, Elizabeth Behnke, Georg Feuerstein) whom I felt knew Jean Gebser’s work best.
This is about how to determine what is metaphysics based on "criteria" for verifying (Veritioning... more This is about how to determine what is metaphysics based on "criteria" for verifying (Veritioning) through evidence and method. Main points covered: What is Metaphysics—Experience + “Method” How does Metaphysics concern Gebser? Greek origins—not Ontology, but Grounded A brief history of Metaphysics & “Method” Gebser’s verification for modes of awareness from archaic body to Verition and Dialogue
So the run by a postmodern individual (Jameson), away from the late modern technology laden world... more So the run by a postmodern individual (Jameson), away from the late modern technology laden world, a run into the woods, is no escape. And indeed we can generalize that escape is not possible. And in a similar argument we can say that modern movements that take up the ancient art of the shamanic, or which claim to follow the path of the shamanic are also caught in the upsurgence of the integral awareness. That is the nature of the shamanic experience which is transformed in the move of late modern peoples to find wholeness and integration. Shamanism, the magical power of nature is itself transformed in the processes of modern cultures. This is a matter of how the shamanic, an aspect of the magical consciousness, is articulated, and what hermeneutics are at work in the transformation of the magical in the contemporary world. So we need to be careful that we are not seeking power or some goal in shamanism, that is not what the shamanic is about.
Latest research (2015) says 50% genes, 50% nature. Also, there is skepticism about identical tw... more Latest research (2015) says 50% genes, 50% nature. Also, there is skepticism about identical twin studies which have tended to seek out similarities in identical twins when we now know twins can be quite unique in style, mood, and manner of communicating. Twins are not only interesting in and of themselves, the extensive research on twins in pursuit of the influence of genetics on human behavior also has interesting implications for the field of communication. The results of the nature/nurture battle are in and we now have a clearer picture of the effects of genes. Further, we can learn a great deal from twins about what it means to have intimacy and a strong identity with others in a communication relationship . Genetics and the issues of identity and intimacy can provide an interesting basis for exploring the assumptions built into our theories of communication. Do our theories imply that we should strive for greater identity and intimacy? Do our theories suggest that we should work to achieve an overlap of experience to be successful? Is a stress on the importance of experiential overlap a meaningful theoretical bias in a world of pluralism and multiculturalism? These are challenging avenues to explore as we continue in a world that seems to become more diverse and less intimate in many ways.
Arjuna listens and learns of his duty. At the beginning of the Geeta we find Arjuna in a state o... more Arjuna listens and learns of his duty. At the beginning of the Geeta we find Arjuna in a state of dejection and anguish. Arjuna's despondency results from him not understanding his duty. We also, from time-to-time, find life difficult and depressing. Like Arjuna we may not know what to do. We can however learn from Arjuna. What did Arjuna do in his time of doubt? Did he yell and complain? Did he talk to Krishna? Not much. Krishna does most of the talking in the Geeta. Arjuna respectfully asks questions of Krishna so that he may learn and then mostly listens intently.
Realistic self portraits are a modern phenomenon of the west (though not all are realistic). The ... more Realistic self portraits are a modern phenomenon of the west (though not all are realistic). The study of self–portraits in painting and photography provides interesting insights about self and self awareness. Self is often a constructed identity in the modern era defined by various reflections. However, when we consider the origins and elaboration of self awareness in the modern era we realize that “reflection” is a polysemic embodiment and we will elaborate on three modes of reflection in this study: proto-reflection, reflection, and multi-reflection. This presentation goes to the heart of “subjectivity” as self inclusion (Mickunas) which, when considered phenomenologically, is not centered on the ego, but on self in context. This study is illustrated by a selective history of self portraits in painting and photography and closes with my own self–portrait photographs.
In many ways the Western model for communication is similar to that for health care––rational and... more In many ways the Western model for communication is similar to that for health care––rational and instrumental––there are other life worlds besides the Western rational life world. Seeking the roots of health care and communication in human life worlds provides alternatives (ranging from a community model to a democratic model) for health care communication. This study looks at human life worlds and the implied health care models and then proposes a general model for service communication for health and welfare––and human services in general.
International Assoc. of Health Communication, Jul 1, 2002
The gist of this paper is that “listening as connecting” is an elemental way of serving others in... more The gist of this paper is that “listening as connecting” is an elemental way of serving others in a supportive relationship. It is most important to emphasize this relationship in the everyday world of work and service. And further, that any serious sense of service relies on this basic quality of relationship—listening as connecting—prior to any established agenda. In support of this way of listening this paper reviews selected literature in the fields of listening, religion/spirituality and philosophy, and sorts out a coherent sense of listening as connecting.
Making Democracy Listening Friendly:
How Elections are predicted successfully
How do voters/citiz... more Making Democracy Listening Friendly: How Elections are predicted successfully How do voters/citizens think/Act in the political field—the cognitive/listening research What can we do to make our political environment, one that is more of a Listening Democracy? Some national (media) actions & interpersonal suggestions/guidelines for listening in community
Listening Fast & Slow Using our “handicap” to advantage
Show how cognitive research can inform th... more Listening Fast & Slow Using our “handicap” to advantage Show how cognitive research can inform the practice of effective listening and help us listen better in spite of our cognitive “handicaps” Insights: 50 odd years of cognitive research from Thinking Fast & Slow (2013), 420 pages, the work of Kahneman (& Tversky) on how people think (Undoing Project, new) Summary: two lifetimes of research, applications to human action & decision-making, effortless (fast processing) and effortful thinking (slow & aware Listening) Talk will cover some basics of Kahneman’s cognitive research: Thinking Fast & Slow Review relation to listening—cognitive processing (and action)—discuss with the implications for aware/”conscious listening” (Purdy, 2000, IJL)—5 modes Discussion: HOW do we get to mastery of listening as conscious & aware?
Jean Gebser has described five structures of consciousness: archaic, magic, mythic, mental, and t... more Jean Gebser has described five structures of consciousness: archaic, magic, mythic, mental, and the currently emerging integral. Each of these structures correlates with "historical" and current styles of communication operating in human communication relationships. The archaic and magical are alien styles of communication from the perspective of modern communication scholars. The mythic and rational are best known as modes of communication in Eastern (including most of Africa) and Western culture, respectively. Most interesting, perhaps, is the description of communication within the presently emerging integral consciousness structure which some say is literate while others say it is a new orality. Is the emerging integral communication style oral, literate, or what?
A presentation for a Chicago area company on using listening and questioning to support clients. ... more A presentation for a Chicago area company on using listening and questioning to support clients. Levels of questioning are presented as related to listening. Also, an evolution of human actions that support listening is provided. This is developed in another presentation posted here.
This paper begins with the mutation of Integral awareness from the predominance of the mental con... more This paper begins with the mutation of Integral awareness from the predominance of the mental consciousness (as inscribed by listening, patience and reason). This raises the question of what is happening with mental consciousness—and especially the efficient mental; and it raises concerns about efficient/deficient consciousness in general, and how this plays into Gebser’s position on the mutation to the integral. The mental era began 8-10K, or more, years ago with the rise of the cities. We should not be surprised if the integrating cosmic field is a bit wobbly—or delayed—in getting started. Gebser says (1985), that as structures are described, the efficient arises first in the transition to a new structure. If this is the case what can we say about our present mutational era which does not seem very efficient? Maybe we are still in the divisiveness of the deficient mental-rational? Or, maybe Gebser was wrong and a deficient integral can arise or be mixed with the efficient. Or perhaps this is a misreading of Gebser’s efficient/deficient conceptualization—and indeed this will be a starting point for rethinking mutation and the (anonymous) integrating awareness (I use the word consciousness when implying conceptualization and awareness when referencing the happening of the newest mutation). Certainly, in the midst of the integral mutation crisis listening (as well as patience and reason as sketched at last year’s conference) is critical for human thriving.
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Papers by Michael W. Purdy
This paper is an overview of the “evolution” of human awareness. It builds on an earlier paper by Purdy (2000) in the International Journal of Listening: Listening and Structures of Consciousness. That paper discussed the modes of listening for each era of human “evolution.” This new paper derives from the same source (the philosopher Jean Gebser, primary source 1985) but rather approaches human development in terms of the human actions that support our listening abilities and our critical need for receptivity in the late modern era. The capabilities of trust, care, curiosity, and patience ground and support the need for listening in the modern world and each will be discussed as it supports listening as essential. In addition, this “method” will be bolstered by an extensive case study of effective teams at Google (Alphabet) supporting this paradigm.
In looking for a way to comment meaningfully on Gebser’s project I searched many avenues of thought but I also interviewed four of the people (Al Mickunas, Noel Barstad, Elizabeth Behnke, Georg Feuerstein) whom I felt knew Jean Gebser’s work best.
What is Metaphysics—Experience + “Method”
How does Metaphysics concern Gebser?
Greek origins—not Ontology, but Grounded
A brief history of Metaphysics & “Method”
Gebser’s verification for modes of awareness from archaic body to Verition and Dialogue
So we need to be careful that we are not seeking power or some goal in shamanism, that is not what the shamanic is about.
We also, from time-to-time, find life difficult and depressing. Like Arjuna we may not know what to do. We can however learn from Arjuna. What did Arjuna do in his time of doubt? Did he yell and complain? Did he talk to Krishna? Not much. Krishna does most of the talking in the Geeta. Arjuna respectfully asks questions of Krishna so that he may learn and then mostly listens intently.
This paper is an overview of the “evolution” of human awareness. It builds on an earlier paper by Purdy (2000) in the International Journal of Listening: Listening and Structures of Consciousness. That paper discussed the modes of listening for each era of human “evolution.” This new paper derives from the same source (the philosopher Jean Gebser, primary source 1985) but rather approaches human development in terms of the human actions that support our listening abilities and our critical need for receptivity in the late modern era. The capabilities of trust, care, curiosity, and patience ground and support the need for listening in the modern world and each will be discussed as it supports listening as essential. In addition, this “method” will be bolstered by an extensive case study of effective teams at Google (Alphabet) supporting this paradigm.
In looking for a way to comment meaningfully on Gebser’s project I searched many avenues of thought but I also interviewed four of the people (Al Mickunas, Noel Barstad, Elizabeth Behnke, Georg Feuerstein) whom I felt knew Jean Gebser’s work best.
What is Metaphysics—Experience + “Method”
How does Metaphysics concern Gebser?
Greek origins—not Ontology, but Grounded
A brief history of Metaphysics & “Method”
Gebser’s verification for modes of awareness from archaic body to Verition and Dialogue
So we need to be careful that we are not seeking power or some goal in shamanism, that is not what the shamanic is about.
We also, from time-to-time, find life difficult and depressing. Like Arjuna we may not know what to do. We can however learn from Arjuna. What did Arjuna do in his time of doubt? Did he yell and complain? Did he talk to Krishna? Not much. Krishna does most of the talking in the Geeta. Arjuna respectfully asks questions of Krishna so that he may learn and then mostly listens intently.
How Elections are predicted successfully
How do voters/citizens think/Act in the political field—the cognitive/listening research
What can we do to make our political environment, one that is more of a Listening Democracy?
Some national (media) actions & interpersonal suggestions/guidelines for listening in community
Show how cognitive research can inform the practice of effective listening and help us listen better in spite of our cognitive “handicaps”
Insights: 50 odd years of cognitive research from Thinking Fast & Slow (2013), 420 pages, the work of Kahneman (& Tversky) on how people think (Undoing Project, new)
Summary: two lifetimes of research, applications to human action & decision-making, effortless (fast processing) and effortful thinking (slow & aware Listening)
Talk will cover some basics of Kahneman’s cognitive research: Thinking Fast & Slow
Review relation to listening—cognitive processing (and action)—discuss with the implications for aware/”conscious listening” (Purdy, 2000, IJL)—5 modes
Discussion: HOW do we get to mastery of listening as conscious & aware?