POSTMODERNITY AND CONSCIOUSNESS STUDIES

Among the scientific disciplines to be impacted by postmodernity will be the study of consciousness, not only in theory but in research and practice. Narratives, key aspects of postmodern approaches, are alread y replacing abstract generalizations in theoretical formulations about such aspects of consciousness as memory and imagination. Research stu dies, both quantitative and qualitative, can be looked upon as attempt s to tell stories that yield new information The use of narrative in p sychotherapy can be seen as the co-construction of life stories by the therapist and the client. Post-modernity requests that scientists que stion their own assumptions, and learn from non-Western perspectives, alternative conscious states, and narratives of exceptional human expe riences. Twenty propositions are offered for a postmodern project in t he study of consciousness that would entail utilizing narratives chat are embedded in a time and a place - and the constant evaluation and q uestioning of the usefulness of these narratives.