A Fractal Epistemology for Transpersonal Psychology
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies September 1, 2020 DOI: 10.24972/ijts.2020.39.1-2.55 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractScience's role in transpersonal psychology is contested because conventional linear and reductionist approaches cannot adequately study rare, unreproducible mental states, fringe experiences, or culturally specific awareness. This paper proposes a fractal epistemology offering new metaphors, models, and methods for a more holistic science. The epistemology highlights observer dependence, fuzzy boundaries, recursive patterns, and higher-dimensional phenomena that arise in the infinite spaces between ordinary finite dimensions.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Proposes that a fractal epistemology can provide more adequate metaphors, models, and methods for transpersonal psychology than traditional linear and reductionist approaches. |
Abstract
The role of science has been controversial within the nascent field of transpersonal psychology. Traditional linear and reductionist models are insufficient to address rare and unreproducible states of mind, fringe rather than normative experiences, and highly personal or culturally specific aspects of awareness. Through a fractal epistemology this paper introduces novel metaphors, models, and methods within a more holistic, organic, and synthetic branch of science. Principles of the epistemology illuminate observer dependence, fuzzy boundaries, recursive patterns, and higher dimensional phenomena that emerge within the infinite expanses between ordinary, finite (Euclidean) dimensions.