Foundation Module for Consciousness Studies
Consciousness can mean many things to many people. Even
though it is the most obvious fact of everyone’s
existence it is notoriously difficult to define. At The
Wisdom Academy, we don’t define consciousness;
instead, we clarify different meanings.
What does it mean to you? That’s the starting point
of every program we offer. We invite you to spend a little
time thinking about this. There are no right answers.
Nevertheless, it really helps to be as clear as you can
about what you mean when you use the word
“consciousness.”
In different disciplines it means different things. For
example, in psychology it usually means
“self-awareness.” In philosophy, it often means
“subjectivity” or “sentience.” In
spirituality, it is used to refer to clarity of awareness,
high ethical values, and wisdom that leads to purposeful,
compassionate action. In our courses, we include and
explore all of these meanings—and give special
attention to learning how they differ and interrelate.
Just as the word “consciousness” has multiple
meanings, “Consciousness Studies” can have many
different meanings, too—depending on motivations,
perspectives, and backgrounds. In most cases, however, one
common factor stands out: Consciousness Studies is an
interdisciplinary field of inquiry.
It intersects with philosophy, psychology, cognitive
science, neuroscience, anthropology, history, quantum
physics, cosmology, and spirituality. A firm and
comprehensive foundation in Consciousness Studies will
include elements from philosophy of mind, developmental and
transpersonal psychology, artificial intelligence, brain
dynamics, cultural differences, evolutionary development,
metaphysical speculations, and direct experience through
shamanic and/or spiritual practices.
No-one could possibly master the knowledge available in all
of these disciplines. Even a doctorate in Consciousness
Studies would require only a basic familiarity with the key
issues in each field. Nevertheless, if you are serious
about taking a course in Consciousness
Studies—whether for personal or professional
purposes—you will be greatly served by taking the
time to lay a firm and comprehensive foundation.
That is what the “Foundation
Module for Consciousness Studies”
provides, giving you the benefit of a comprehensive and
integrated overview. We have simplified and condensed key
elements from the various interdisciplinary fields into
four distinct and related areas: science, philosophy,
shamanism, and spirituality. These areas match the four
gifts of knowing—senses, reason, feeling, and
intuition—that lie at the heart of The Wisdom
Academy’s approach to studying consciousness.
