Written in response to the need for a theory of astrology, Environmental Cosmology identifies common ground to realign the discourse between science and astrology. Skeptical views of astrology are critically examined for faulty assumptions and misunderstandings. Theory is developed through axioms and rational concepts based upon the physical structures of cycles.
Part of the problem of why astrology is so difficult to learn is that some of its linguistic usage is antiquated and has been appropriated in different senses by modern usage. Thus some of the language does not appear to connect with anything familiar in either physical science or the social sciences. Without a coherent language to describe the theoretical model, attempts to verify or falsify astrological concepts through statistical inference would seem impracticable and indeed this has been the prevailing conclusion.
Because astrology is strongly counter-intuitive and uses archaic language, its claims have been met in the academic world by mistrust, skepticism, and counterclaims of irrationality. The greatest hindrance to understanding, as explained in the book, is the failure of academia to appreciate astrology as a black box technology. Anything that astrologers found that seemed to work was placed into the black box without a clear description of how the basic principles work together.
Environmental Cosmology unpacks the black box. It clarifies the basic principles as a set of axioms that give unity and organization to the astrological enterprise. Astrological concepts may appear to be counter-intuitive but they have rational consequences and this leads to testable hypotheses and underlying theories. The reconstruction of astrology into organized theory suggests relevant connections to the social sciences that are not otherwise apparent.
In contrast to how astrology is commonly regarded as a study of planets, stars, and people, Environmental Cosmology shifts this understanding to a more compelling consideration of relationships between mind or consciousness and natural, cosmological symmetries found in the environment.
Environmental Cosmology
By Kenneth D. McRitchie
Paperback: 144 pages with Bibliography and Index
Publisher: Cognizance Books (Dec. 2004) ISBN 0-9736242-0-5
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