Evolution of consciousness in responses to terrorist attacks: Towards a transpersonal theory of cultural transformation

Abstract

Through the analyses of responses to attacks to September 11, the authors interpret trauma as a catalyst of transformation of cultural consciousness and American self, and articulate the foundations for a transpersonal theory of cultural evolution. Accounts feature positive values, humanistic and spiritual aspirations, direct intuition of the evolution of consciousness, and the instances of new type of integral consciousness identified with both oneness and multiplicity. Authors use the theory of emergent evolution of Sri Aurobindo and Gebser, and the spiritual psychology of Ibn‐Arabi, as opposed to positivist and critical theory evolutionary perspectives. Imaginative responses to complexity and trauma, re‐focusing attention on spiritual values, and transpersonal dialog are indicated as components of the new cultural strategies.