The Expansion of Human Consciousness

Robert B. MacIntyre, a former professor of psychology at the Ontario
Institute for Studies in Education, is head of the Centre for
Relationship Therapy and Education in Orangeville, Ontario.

The author, a medical doctor, presents a series of philosophical
reflections on the nature of reality and the many levels of belief
systems in Western and world thought. His intent is to help the reader
expand his or her conception of immediate reality to include
increasingly encompassing sets of relationships, from family connections
through relationship with the religions and world myths that reach
beyond observable reality.

Each chapter considers a different level of belief and explanation of
reality such as those provided by political and national ideologies,
biological and scientific systems, and various religious groupings. The
material covered is wide ranging, from quantum physics and cellular
biology to comparisons of Confucianism and Taoism in the development of
Chinese thought. Cheong’s analysis draws on his background as a
scientist. As a scientist, he builds his analysis on the use of logical
analysis and verifiability to provide an alternative to metaphysical
speculations.

With its clear presentation and relative lack of special jargon, this
thoughtful book should be accessible to most readers with an interest in
philosophy. There are suggestions for further reading, but no
bibliography or reference list.