An interview with John Heron: Exploring the interface between cooperative inquiry and transpersonal studies.
J. Heron, O. R. Sohmer
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies March 18, 2022 DOI: 10.24972/ijts.2019.38.2.207 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Interview Peer reviewed |
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| Key points | Heron argues that cooperative inquiry is an experiential, participatory approach to research and learning, and proposes that transpersonal studies should engage three dimensions of human spirituality while questioning the field's emphasis on “trans.” He contends that CI principles can inform authentic relationships, education through extended epistemology and radical assessment, self-generating culture, and human evolution. |
Abstract
In this interview, John Heron—the founder of cooperative inquiry (CI; Heron, 1996, 1998)—discusses this experiential, participatory approach to research and learning with participatory research special issue guest editor Olga Sohmer. After presenting a summary of cooperative inquiry, Heron and Sohmer discuss CI in the context of transpersonal studies, including past and prospective future applications. Questioning the emphasis on “trans” in transpersonal, Heron unfolds the three dimensions of human spirituality that CI engages and offers a vision for transpersonal studies in light of CI ideals. Additional themes that are explored include cultivating authentic relationships in CI, the role of the nonhuman natural world in CI, practices based on CI principles that can be used in daily life, applying extended epistemology and radical assessment in education, self-generating culture, and the role of CI in human evolution.