Changing the Paradigm: a Theory of Human Development Based on the Emergence of Nonduality
type: CreativeWork
description: The following work critiques one of the oldest of human problems, that of duality. It proposes that duality is actually a paradigm of thinking. Then it shows that the source of duality is a mistaken perception about the human developmental process, one stemming from human individuation. This is shown by a comparative study of the origin of duality, East and West, and is followed by an analysis of the conception of "love" as an example of dualistic thinking. Next I demonstrate that there are two forms of nonduality --progressive nonduality and regressive nonduality (or monism) --and that they are not the same thing. I then propose that (progressive) nonduality is a paradigm shift. Nonduality is explored as a way of mind-body attunement, and, subsequently, is required for individual growth, societal success, and even moral commitment.
abstract: The following work critiques one of the oldest of human problems, that of duality. It proposes that duality is actually a paradigm of thinking. Then it shows that the source of duality is a mistaken perception about the human developmental process, one stemming from human individuation. This is shown by a comparative study of the origin of duality, East and West, and is followed by an analysis of the conception of "love" as an example of dualistic thinking. Next I demonstrate that there are two forms of nonduality --progressive nonduality and regressive nonduality (or monism) --and that they are not the same thing. I then propose that (progressive) nonduality is a paradigm shift. Nonduality is explored as a way of mind-body attunement, and, subsequently, is required for individual growth, societal success, and even moral commitment.
author: Cook, David A.
keywords: English Language and Literature
date published: 1995-05-01T07:00:00Z
date modified: 2026-07-24T03:15:17Z
provider: Missouri State University
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: Missouri State University