Noetics - Noetic Science - With research examples

Noetics - The science of cognitionPage 1 of 4

Content

Introduction

It wasn´t until the book "The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown came about that noetics became popular. That said, the theory of cognition is significantly older. The Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) was founded as early as in the 1970s. Yet noetics themselves are even older - much older at that. The following pages will deal with the question of what noetics actually are. Moreover, we would like to find out whether we are talking about complete and utter rubbish or a real form of science.

What is noetic?

Noetic science is not officially accepted and is currently rated fringe science. The term "Noetics" is derived from the Greek word "nous" and was even used in the ancient world. This primarily describes the human ability to grasp things mentally. The term "noos" (another form of "nous") was first used in Homer´s works (he was Europe´s first poet). Over time, the meaning of this word changed from sensual perception to the possibility of deeper insight. For Platon, nous and natural sciences embodied the possibility to grasp true existence. Today, the term noetics is associated with cognition or the theory of cognition.

Institute of noetic sciences

Apollo 14 noetic The institute was founded by the astronaut Edgar Dean Mitchell. During the Apollo 14 Mission, he had an epiphany that made him realize that "life isn´t an accident based on random processes".

"I felt that my body´s molecules were interconnected with those out there, that there was a connection to the universe like an invisible web that ties everything to each other. I suddenly knew that everything was connected to everything." A year later, he left the NASA and founded the Institute of Noetic Sciences, IONS.

Noetic sciences are particularly carried out by the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) in Northern California. The Institute, which was founded in 1973, states that it deals with the potentials and powers of the consciousness - this includes perception, belief, attentiveness and intention. In so doing, the Institute considers it its duty to investigate scientific phenomena which have been neglected by mainstream science. Based on the fundamentals of noetics, the Institute takes a scientific approach at investigating the phenomena of psychokinesis, effects of meditation or telepathy.
The magazine "At The Limits Of Perception" is regularly published in co-operation with the Institute, targeting people interested in parapsychology and esotericism. However, the Institute of Noetics and its research results are categorized as unscientific by science institutes.