The Participatory Mind: A New Theory of Knowledge and of the Universe (Arkana) [Paperback]

Henryk Skolimowski (Author)

Book Description

Series: Arkana | Publication Date: May 1, 1995

People have taken IQ tests, but strangely, no compassion aptitude tests (CAT). Yet, mind and emotions need to be seen as two different parts of the same spectrum, says holistic thinker Henryk Skolimowski. If the human psyche, having taken an unprecendented battering this century, is to be mended. this cannot be accomplished either through the offices of dusty philosophical treatises or popular psychological fixes, only by our arriving at a new way of looking at the world. In a grand theory of participatory mind building on the insights of thinkers, such as Theilhard de Chardin and Henri Bergson, as well as comtemporaries, Dobzhansky and Gregory Bateson, the author points to a new order brought about by a Western mind returning to then re-integrating the spiritual. This quest for fresh perspectives as the 21st century approaches has now become the hallmark of the times.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (May 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140194797
• ISBN-13: 978-0140194791
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #596,647 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Theory of Becoming, December 6, 1999

By 

Matthew Laliberte (Syracuse, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Participatory Mind: A New Theory of Knowledge and of the Universe (Arkana) (Paperback)

Henryk Skolimowski postulates that in order to usher in a new society propagating peace, harmony, and wholeness, we must change our perspectives of what is valued. To do so, we must look within ourselves, at our society, our culture, and the communal cosmos in which we all reside. We are all co-creting, he might say; making reality as we participate with everything around us in a holistic enterprise evolving from within. The Participatory Mind is a wonderfully elucidating text written for any reader interested in becoming more, and helping society become more. There are direct correlations to education and psychology, though the book evolved out of a philosophical base. Similar reads from an educational perspective might include works by Lev Vygotsky, John Seely Brown, and Jerome Bruner. Other authors relating to Skolimowski's particular work would be Gregory Bateson and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Highly recommended-

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book of great vision and wisdom--philosophy for OUR times., January 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Participatory Mind: A New Theory of Knowledge and of the Universe (Arkana) (Paperback)

This book is something I've long been waiting for: a book of real philosophy that deeply addresses the contemporary issues of human society. This is not dusty philosophical history or technical, abstract logical analysis. Rather, it is a penetrating look into the nature of human culture and values. Skolimowski tackles head-on our mechanistic worldview, and draws out all the adverse consquences that follow from this. He shows how mechanistic values have outlived their usefulness. And, most importantly, he not only criticizes but creates new visions and worldviews to remedy the situation. Skolimowski is a courageous thinker, not afraid to embrace universal evolution and the power of the human mind in shaping reality. This is no fuzzy new-age text, but a rational, rigorous look at where we are and where we need to go. Highly recommended.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Skolimowski's Vision, February 17, 2002

By 

Nancy Peden (Monterey, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Participatory Mind: A New Theory of Knowledge and of the Universe (Arkana) (Paperback)

Dr. Skolimowski does a wonderful job of introducing thinking that is becoming the new paradigm for many of us. This is a wonderful, scholarly but easy to read review of Western thought. It is sad that it has no index and is therefore difficult to cite but well worth the read. When I ordered it last year, it seemed to be out of print. I am glad to see it available again.