Ontogenetic model of human consciousness

A theory developed by Erich Jantsch and Conrad Waddington, this models human consciousness on a double learning spiral through four learning modes - [virtual]

or sperm-egg consciousness; [functional]

or perinatal, foetal consciousness; [conscious]

or personal consciousness; and [superconscious]

or transpersonal consciousness. Transition from one state of consciousness to another is equivalent to a death-rebirth process.

At each level the evolutionary learning process is open-ended, based on experimentation which may be likened to a strategic exploration of options available when the choice made is subsequently vindicated. This is partially informed learning-by-doing guided by higher modes of learning, an aspect of self-transcendence. What is learned is a sense of direction, the overall process being regarded as evolutionary experimentation. The learning hierarchy requires a process of feedback between levels, so that there is an intra and intersystemic process. Transition from virtual to functional learning levels is equivalent to the struggle of the individual for survival resulting in development of social systems; from the functional to the conscious learning level is equivalent to the struggle between social systems resulting in the growth of cultures; and from conscious to superconscious learning is equivalent to the struggle between cultures, life styles and world views resulting in a sense of the wholeness of the process of mankind. The next transition is from superconscious to virtual again, going forward is also linking backwards to the origin (re-ligio).