Abstract

The Modern stage of cultural development originates in our interpretation of Newtonian science. Thus a paradigm of the universe as accidental and solely material dominates our Western culture despite a century of scientific evidence: Einstein’s E=mc2, quantum physics and psi research imply that consciousness is not time-space bound, and not concrete and material in nature. The paper summarises the Premodern, Modern and Postmodern worldviews from the integral or Post-postmodern perspective. Scientists disagree about the implications of quantum theory. What are the favoured interpretations from the Copenhagen onward: do they support or disconfirm the Modern, materialist view? Evidence from research in perceptual (para) psychology is persuasive. Is it time that we as educators challenge “material universe,” especially with the science and philosophy of our present leading-edge position; Post-modern development, in order to shift the dominant construction of reality in those we teach, counsel, train and mentor? This offers a re-humanising of the cosmos, and should help redress inequity in gender, class and race, and between colonising and colonised cultures. And aid the rescue of the planet?