Toward an integration of spirituality and psychology: A contribution from metaphysical tradition. (Volumes I and II)

For nearly two hundred years, science and psychology have been guided by a positivist, reductionist paradigm. This paradigm was adopted by psychology from the natural sciences. Psychologists have questioned its appropriateness for studying human beings. The positivist reductionist paradigm cannot address the transpersonal, spiritual dimensions of human beingness. Psychologists have called for a paradigm capable of addressing the spiritual.;The metaphysical worldview is a paradigm capable of integrating spirituality and psychology. The foundation of the metaphysical worldview is the unity of all aspects of the universe. Because the metaphysical worldview includes the physical, biological, and mental dimensions of human beingness, it encompasses the domain of mainstream psychology. Because it includes the subtle, causal, and infinite dimensions, the metaphysical worldview encompasses the transpersonal, spiritual aspect of human beingness.;Examining the history of psychology in light of the metaphysical worldview reveals concepts and ideas congruent with metaphysical tradition. These concepts and ideas represent psychology's spiritual aspect. The holographic paradigm provides a physical metaphor for metaphysical principles. It has stimulated theory and research in psychology integrating metaphysical principles.;Psychology would be transformed if it were grounded in the metaphysical worldview. The transpersonal dimensions of human beingness, and their associated phenomena, would be integrated into theory, research, practice, and training. The transformation of psychology would foster a greater wholeness in human beings and a true valuing of diversity.