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Program Areas

Center for Process Studies Program Areas: Science and Philosophy; Human Experience and Meaning; Society and Sustainability

Science & Philosophy

On Nature and the Nature of Reality

We work with physicists, biologists, cosmologists, and the like to better understand the universe, living systems, and our place in the grand scheme of things.

Sample Research Questions

  • What is the world like?
  • What sort of things make up reality and how are those things related?
  • What constitutes life?
  • How are healthy living systems organized, and what might this teach us about how to organize human communities?
  • Do trees have feelings?

Sample Topics

  • Astrobiology and Cosmology
  • Quantum Physics and Metaphysics
  • Living Systems & Evolutionary Biology
  • Space, Time, and Perception

Human Experience & Meaning

On Being Human

We work with experts in spirituality, psychology, the arts, and more to better understand what it means to be human and pathways toward a fulfilling life.

Sample Research Questions

  • What does it mean to be human?
  • What is the nature of experience?
  • What is the meaning of life?
  • What happens when we die?
  • What is the nature of God or ultimate reality?
  • Are we more than bodies?
  • How does consciousness emerge?

Sample Topics

  • Theology, Religion, and Spirituality
  • Panpsychism & Panexperientialism
  • Neuroscience & Psychology
  • Psychedelics & Extraordinary Experiences
  • Art, Beauty, & Creativity

Society & Sustainability

On How We Should Live

We work with educators, policymakers, activists and other stakeholders to cultivate the new narratives needed to inform new ways of living toward ecological civilization.

Sample Research Questions

  • What should we eat?
  • How should society be structured to maximize human and planetary flourishing?
  • What is the purpose of higher education in society?
  • What sort of economic system would produce the most equitable results?
  • How can we farm to improve healthy soil and biodiversity?
  • What worldview shifts are needed to live into an ecological civilization?

Sample Topics

  • Ecological Civilization
  • Education Reform
  • Community Design
  • Wellbeing Economies
  • Ecological Mindsets
  • Farmers and Philosophers

OUTPUT & SERVICES

How do we fulfill our mission?

The CPS mission is carried out through research projects, academic conferences, courses, community conversations, webinars, podcasts, the world’s largest library related to process-relational writings, and an array of publications (including two peer-reviewed journals and a number of active books series). As Alfred North Whitehead said, “Ideas won’t keep. Something must be done about them.” That’s what CPS is all about: putting big ideas to work to build a better world. As an international think-tank and global network of educators, visionaries, and activists, CPS exists to help scholars help the world. Here’s how…

Conferences

Conferences have always been a major offering of CPS. Through these large public-facing events, we are able to bring experts together for creative dialogue that inspires new thinking and advancing the common good. 

Here are some examples of recent CPS conferences:

Upcoming Conferences

Courses

While research can yield new understanding for researchers, education is how learning takes place to the broader public. This is why CPS offers courses. Some courses are offered for academic credit through university partners (like the Process Studies PhD program at CST) and others are open to the general public. Both are vital to the CPS mission.

Here are some examples:

Community Conversations

Learning happens best in community. Through discussion groups, reading groups, learning circles, and other community lead programs, we offer a variety of ways for community members to get engaged and learn together.

Here are some examples: 

Webinars & Workshops

Less intensive than a multi-day conference or a multi-week course, CPS webinars and online workshops provide a learning platform that connects experts with a global audience on a wide variety of topics.

Here are some examples: 

Podcasts & Videos

Our audio and video resources, including a YouTube channel and podcasts, are ways for community members to engage and grow on their own time. When schedules don’t permit someone to attend a live event, or when someone just wants to listen in on a deep dive discussion with special guests, our podcast and video recordings meet the need.

Here are some examples: 

Publications

The dissemination of good ideas is a core part of CPS. To this end, we have a number of book series, a magazine, two academic journals, and we regularly publish books that grow out of CPS research projects and conferences (including translations).

Below are some recent examples: