Thought as a System

Complete display of information without dogma a true explanation of what might just be, concise of informative and intelligently written

The Paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould coined the acronym NOMA (Non-overlapping magisteria). This view advocated that "science and religion do not glower at each other . . . [but] interdigitate in patterns of complex fingering, and at every fractal scale of self-similarity." He suggests that "NOMA enjoys strong and fully explicit support, even from the primary cultural stereotypes of hard-line traditionalism" and that it is "a sound position of general consensus, established by long struggle among people of goodwill in both magisteria." Despite this there continues to be disagreement over where the boundaries between the two magisteria should be. The irony here is that this statement either means nothing at all or it implies that there is overlap between these two `magisteria'--like two parallel lines meeting in curved space. But, what does this have to do with `Thought As A System'? In Bohm's view, we have inherited a belief that mind (or thought) is of an inherently different and higher order than matter. This belief has nurtured a faith in what we call `objectivity'--the capacity to observe and report neutrally on some object or event, without having any effect on what we are looking at, or without being affected by it..[Bohm] suggests that we have overextended our faith in the objectivist perspective. Once we make the critical (and false) assumption that thought and reality are not participating in our sense of reality, but only reporting on it, we are committed to a view that does not take into account the complex, unbroken processes that underlie the world as we experience it. (pp. ix, x) Thought As A System So if we take `mind' to be a mere epiphenomena of matter (the scientific, materialist view), then all idealist or spiritual philosophies that posit a reality that transcends matter will appear false. But once we understand Bohm's observation that what we call `matter' is not some purely objective `fact' or reality, but is itself an idea derived from a perspective (mind/thought) that shapes our idea of matter (or any other `objective' fact) then all dichotomies between what is corporeal (physical) and noncorporeal (nonphysical) seem more problematic; that is, it opens the mind to the idea that science and religion might `interdigitate in patterns of complex fingering, and at every fractal scale of self-similarity.' And, in my experience, no one is more knowledgeable when it comes to the intricate `interdigitation' of spiritual thought (east and west) and scientific thought than David Bohm. Bohm is the penultimate guide for anyone who has begun to suspect that the seemingly intractable contradictions between various spiritual world views, and similar contradictions between spiritual and scientific worldviews, might have more to do with how we view such things (mind) than intrinsic properties of the world (matter).

A most thought-provoking book in terms of its attention to the software it seems that thought is, and how by understanding it, one can detach oneself from its pernicious characteristics as well as the relatively positive aspects of it, when it relates to one's psychology. Even though Bohm died in the early 90s this book remains relevant to our current culture, thought being our software that can be modified, once we understand that this is what it clearly is. Who are we when psychological thought is not, I would like to ask? This is a question for everyone. Worth thinking about with "The Ending of Time" by Bohm and Krishnamurti to take you further.

Interesting book

This book was required for school. I enjoyed it, there were some great learning tools and skills I can use in this book.

Humans behave in predictable patterns very similar to Pavlov's dogs. We can convince ourselves that we control the stimulus that causes us to salivate (like Pavlov's dog) but in end end, we have very little control over what makes us who we are because most people don't care to look and won't believe it anyway.

An excellent mindful achievement reaching a new understanding about thoughts and thinking in our human construct. The two are apparently different from one another and the book attempts to explain questions and answers leading to thought and its relationship to our own understanding of the way we interpret the world around us. I recommend reading this book if you have ever wondered why or how you think the way you think. I found this book to be a great catalyst into the quest to understand and properly define our thinking/thought process as well as a great added addition to David Bohms work.

I was introduced to Bohm through his video dialogue with Krishnamurti in The transformation of Man. He is one of the most honest, clear thinkers I have ever read. This book is really a transcript of a group discussion of thought with Bohm at the head. If you ever wonder why you get angry for "no reason" or why people get so upset over ideas, then read this book. And if you have an insight into the way thought works, you'll never be the same.

It's a great way to explore Bohm's ideas. The book is a transcript of dialogues between Bohm and Krishnamurti filled with some really good insights. Bohm was ahead of his time and his ideas seem to be gaining attention and influence only now.

Very insightful account of the way the human mind actually works. This is a very approachable re-interpretation of much of the buddhist philosophy for any western minded person. David Bohm, one of the best scientific mind of the twentieth century, guide us though it with the highest clarity, while using an extremely simple language. If you read this book you will be a different person... more conscious of the power and especially the limits of the human(s) mind! Spread the voice.

Dies ist ein wundervoll aufgebautes Buch, in welchem David Bohm, den Einstein einst seinen "intellektuellen Sohn" nannte, seine Gedanken über das Denken in Dialogform darlegt. Ohne das geringste Fachchinesisch, daher auch in Englisch leicht lesbar. Viele Erkenntnisse, so z.B. das über die emotionale Färbung von "Notwendig" vs. "Möglich" mit der Gedanken versehen werden, sind unmittelbar praktisch anwendbar. Natürlich ist die Kernaussage, dass man sehr häufig nicht aktiv "denkt", sondern Gedanken einfach wie Reflexe funktionieren, eine ungeheure Kränkung für den Intellektuellen. Aber wer diese Kränkung aushält und die Kernthese an sich heranlassen kann, der profitiert von diesem Buch enorm.

Bohm is a thinker who investigated thought in a very detailed way and who, as the ancient rishis of India, makes us conscient of subtle processes in a new and modern way. Although these are also only thoughts!

I am going to be more aware than before how I 'function' as a whole entity and be more coherent between my thinking and acting. This book is going to change my life for the better, I hope... if I fully grasp what David Bohm bring forth...