What is "Noetic"?

The word "noetic" comes from the ancient Greek nous, for which there is no exact equivalent in English. It refers to "inner knowing," a kind of intuitive consciousness—direct and immediate access to knowledge beyond what is available to our normal senses and the power of reason.

What are 'Noetic Sciences'?
Noetic sciences are explorations into the nature and potentials of consciousness using multiple ways of knowing—including intuition, feeling, reason, and the senses. Noetic sciences explore the "inner cosmos" of the mind (consciousness, soul, spirit) and how it relates to the "outer cosmos" of the physical world.

The institute explores consciousness from three perspectives:

(1) First-person perspective — Supporting individuals exploring and developing their own subjective consciousness (e.g., meditation and other spiritual practices). Emphasis on inner knowing and personal transformation.

(2) Second-person perspective — Exploring and supporting transformative relationships and intersubjective consciousness (e.g., compassionate dialogue, community building, a global wisdom society). Emphasis on transformative learning and collective wisdom.

(3) Third-person perspective — Gathering data about objective physiological correlates of consciousness (e.g., research using rigorous scientific protocols, including experiments in psi, mind-body healing, and subtle energies). Emphasis on scientific understanding.

These are the complementary elements of a "noetic science." All three perspectives value and employ multiple ways of knowing—including intuition, reason, and the senses in varying combinations. The goal of this work is to support individuals in transformation of their own consciousness (developing their innate human potentials and creative capacities) as a foundation for collective transformation toward a world grounded in freedom, wisdom, and love.

For more information on definitions of "noetic," read former IONS President Willis Harman's article entitled "What are Noetic Sciences?" And to support the institute in its efforts to explore the noetic sciences, please consider becoming a member.