We are new in Oregon! Ashland Symposia explores the big issues of our time by bringing together ideas from different fields and try to unpack the layers of the human mind. Gathering in spaces that encourage curiosity, connection, and conviviality, we seek to uncover hidden patterns shaping today’s challenges and find fresh perspectives to better understand our world.
Friends and Partners
Bloomsbury Books. Bloomsbury Books is an independent bookstore on Main Street in downtown Ashland, Oregon, home of the world-famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
The Dark Mountain Project. The Dark Mountain Project is a cultural movement challenging modern narratives through art that explores ecological and cultural transformation. Underwater photographer Robin is a regular contributor, capturing these shifting stories beneath the surface.
The Jean Gebser Society. The Gebser Society promotes the revival of Jean Gebser’s thoughts through conferences and presentations on Gebser’s philosophy and his magnum opus, The Ever Present Origin.
Lisa Marovski. In her new book, Lisa proposes that humanity is poised on the cusp of a transformation of consciousness that requires not only a shift in values and perspectives, but also a shift in a basic technology we take for granted—language.
Monterey Friends of CG Jung. A California group dedicated to creating a broader and deeper appreciation of analytical psychology. In our times of unprecedented change, they feel the urgency of re-examining our personal and collective narratives.
Numinous Imago. Where photography delves into the psyche’s inner landscapes, capturing the interplay between conscious reflection and unconscious projection. With this work transforming ordinary scenes into mythopoetic visions, Grégory Brun invites viewers to explore how light and imagination reshape perception.
The Oregon Cheese Cave. Great discussions go hand in hand with good food: The Oregon Cheese Cave offers a setting where flavor and dialogue come together. More than a specialty shop, it is a curated space where the world’s finest cheeses create moments of connection, conviviality, and meaningful exchange.
Robin Robinson. A passionate explorer of our connection to nature, Robin delves into the Earth’s origins, the Ocean, and the human experience—seeking answers to life’s big questions. Through her darkroom photography, she blends traditional techniques with experimental freedom, creating images that evoke deep, unconscious emotions.
South Stage Cellars. South Stage Cellars, nestled in the heart of historic Jacksonville, Oregon, is more than just a tasting room—it’s a vibrant community hub where wine, music, and art converge. Established in 2008 by Traute Moore, South Stage Cellars transformed a Gold Rush–era building into a sanctuary for creativity and connection.
Talent Historical Society. The Talent Historical Society stands as a vital public space in South Oregon, fostering community engagement and honoring the rich tapestry of the region’s past. By hosting events like “Night at the Museum,” it transforms history into an interactive experience, blending art, music, and drama to educate and unite residents.
Beyond Disciplinary Boundaries
What is Transdisciplinarity?
Transdisciplinarity, as articulated by Basarab Nicolescu, transcends the boundaries of academic disciplines to integrate knowledge from science, art, and spirituality. This approach tackles complex global problems by focusing on the interconnectedness of different fields. It offers a holistic perspective, crucial for addressing today’s ecological, social, and spiritual crises.
Transdisciplinarity operates through a multi-level framework of reality, where each level follows distinct laws yet is part of an interconnected whole. The concept of the logic of the included middle allows for the coexistence of apparent contradictions, resolved at a higher level of understanding. At its core, transdisciplinarity unites subject and object through the Hidden Third, facilitating a deeper exploration of reality while preserving the unique contributions of each discipline. It emphasizes the interdependence of all knowledge and the continual openness of inquiry.