Research as Spiritual Practice

April 9, 2007 | posted by Ryan | Leave a Comment

Can research in itself be a spiritual practice? Considering the connection between much philosophy and religion - the search for truth - and epistomology - the study of how we know - maybe it is possible to see research as a spiritual practice. Dr. Peter Reason discusses this topic in an online “article” which he prepared for a conference at the University of Surrey in 2000. This discussion piece, titled Action Research as Spiritual Practice compares the process of action research with Rev. Matthew Fox’s Four Paths of Creation Spirituality: Via Positiva, Via Negativa, Via Creativa, & Via Transformativa. This piece is thought provoking, gripping, and potentially transformative itself for the way we all do research. I highly recommend this articles, along with much of Dr. Reason’s work.

For the article, just click the link above. For a direct link to Peter Reason’s personal website, including many of the articles he has written click here.

[Posted in Research & Resources]


  • Blogs/Podcasts We Like

    • ITP Library Research Weblog - various research resources
    • Shrink Rap Radio - Podcasts by experienced therapist talking with notible folks in the field about everything you could think of.
    • The Merlin Show - A video podcast featuring Merlin Mann. Topics include: technology, communication, productivity, etc.


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