The Institute of Nexialism (ION) will be established in 2000 to develop a curriculum for training in the art of integrated thinking and conflict resolution. This exciting new curriculum is being developed in collaboration with other organizations with strong expertise in innovative training and active programs in conflict resolution worldwide.

The term, "nexialism," was first used by the science fiction writer, A.E. Van Vogt, in the 1930's. The concept was a cornerstone of his 1934 novel "The Voyage of the Space Beagle." In that book Van Vogt created a protagonist, Dr. Grosvenor, who was the first graduate of the Nexial Institute. Trained in integrated science and thought, Grosvenor was able to see the connection between many aspects of a problem that other specialists could not see because of their narrow training. In the book which may be seen as an early forebearer of the Star Trek series, Grosvenor provides increasingly important assistance in each encounter with alien races until his skills become indispensable in saving the ship and perhaps the future of humanity. Truer to life than one would like to believe, the book also explores the inter-personal dimension of scientific rivalry and skepticism. Today, this story provides an uncanny allegory for the situation we face aboard our planetary "spaceship."

As we approach the new millennium, ION fulfills Van Vogt's 70-year old vision by establishing a training institute and curriculum dedicated to the science of integrated thought. Nexialism goes beyond interdisciplinary science and even beyond pan-disciplinary science to integrate both science and being. Based on research conducted by the Bear Mountain Institute and neighboring facilities, ION establishes a formal system of training within which participants learn how to think from multiple aspects of the mind, combining science and experiential intuition. In simple terms, this involves combined "left" and "right" brain thinking, but also a deep understanding of the role of each mode and their healthy interaction.

ION is in its developmental stages and collaboration is welcome in constructing and reviewing the training curriculum. As the program develops, we hope to establish nexialism as an accredited discipline, offering either diplomas or traditional degrees. Additionally ION will seek affiliation with other training institutes with similar programs. Beginning in the year 2000, ION will launch a program in conflict resolution services, applying the principles of Nexialism to practical situations locally and globally.

November, 2000: Zeno's Paradox and the 2000 Election: The Limits of Absurdity

This paper details how we can repair our Electoral system and avoid meaningless conflict over unreasonable precision in voting results, by understanding the role of reason, and the nature of error. It presents an analysis of how the 2000 election returns would be analyzed if the recommended changes were in place today, and shows that, in fact, the election was a statistical tie.

1996-continuing: Investigation into the philosophy of science

BMI, ION, and IGE jointly seek critical review of concepts in the philosophy of science and nature. An integrated epistemology is proposed based on theories of information, which apply equally to the human practice of science and the natural manifestation (ecology and evolution) of all organisms. This work was begun in 1988 and continues to support many of the activities of BMI and ION. This integrated philosophy will be explored in greater depth and developed as an interactive document on the World Wide Web. Contact: BMI@nexial.org

1985-continuing: In depth investigation of spiritual practice

While BMI does not endorse any particular religious practice, it recognizes the importance and relevance of introspection to the goals of developing an integrated worldview and better understanding of both humanity and nature. This work includes developing the methods of introspection and understanding which are the counterpart to scientific methods in the sense world. The Institute of Nexialism, one of the GAIA sponsored institutes, sponsors ad hoc discussions and mini-workshops on spiritual concepts and experience associated with various practices. For over 10 years,  ION staff have been active in facilitating groups in their study of  "A Course in Miracles" (n collaboration with Unity of Boulder and the Foundation for Inner Peace). ION also explores various forms of Eastern meditation, and spiritual philosophies such as those of Alan Watts, Ken Wilbur, Sai Baba, and others. Workshops ranging from one day to one year take place through ION and collaborating institutions. Please call or email (ION@nexial.org) for current schedules.

2000-continuing: Conflict Resolution

ION, as an applied arm of its curriculum in Nexialism, is planning to launch a program in community to global conflict resolution. This work will be a direct extension of training at ION based on the principles and insights of John F. Hunt. The conflict resolution program will collaborate with other institutions, such as the Carter Center in Georgia, to benefit communities, tribes, governments, and other societal groups or individuals in resolving conflict issues. Applying both spiritual principles and appropriate knowledge, graduates in the art and scinece of Nexialism will assist in the resolution of complex personal, political and societal problems. Services will include facilitation, mediation, counseling, and consulting from a systems perspective. Contact: ION@nexial.org

Support the work of ION!
Your interest and contributions are welcome. Financial contributions will support the preparation and publication of ION's curriculum of study. It will also support a series of workshops and invited lectures that will involve key individuals and institutions in evaluating and furthering the concepts and application of nexialism and conflict resolution. Click here for more information.

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