July 24–27, 2025: The Center for Process Studies recently gathered a superb group of scientists and philosophers at the Mercure Southgate Hotel in Exeter, UK, for an interdisciplinary workshop on “Process Philosophy, Plasma Cosmology, and Transpersonal Psychology.” Co-organized with the University of Exeter (Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes), the California Institute of Integral Studies (Matthew Segall), and the University of Hawaii (Steve Odin), this gathering explored a variety of themes integrating science, philosophy, and exceptional forms of human experience.
At the center of this inquiry was the curious nature of plasma—the fourth state of matter, which comprises over 99% of the visible universe. Often overlooked in mainstream cosmology, plasma was explored not merely as a physical medium, but as a generative, dynamic field capable of interacting with consciousness and form. Workshop sessions probed the role of plasma in galactic structure, anomalous light phenomena, the cosmic web, and even the evolution of terrestrial life and sentience. Building upon theories from plasma physics, process philosophy, and transpersonal experience, participants explored how plasma might be understood not only as a material substrate but as a carrier of information, intelligence, and even purposeful activity. Whether framed as the “plasmaverse,” Indra’s Net, or the living fabric of space-time, plasma and plasma activity emerged as a potential bridge linking cosmology, metaphysics, and human potential.
The gathering was animated by a post-materialistic spirit of critical openness, both scientifically and metaphysically. While united by a shared commitment to cosmic relationality, participants engaged in lively, but also friendly, debates concerning physics, metaphysics, and cosmology. Among the key points of discussion were:
- Gravity-centric vs. electricity-centric models of the cosmos, with some advocating for the dominance of electromagnetic forces over gravitational ones in shaping cosmic structures. Is the standard Big Bang model adequate? Has it turned a blind eye to the role of electricity in space?
- The contrast between a universe and a multiverse. Where is the line dividing physics and metaphysics?
- The ontological status of matter, including speculation about additional or emergent states beyond the classical solid-liquid-gas-plasma taxonomy. Is plasma emergent from a more fundamental onto-electric current in the universe?
- The plausibility of non-organic plasmic life and forms of galactic intelligence emerging from plasma systems or electromagnetic substrates. Could the nebulae be sentient entities—as Whitehead speculates? What about the plasmic rhythms of the Sun, or the vast plasma clouds (Kordylewski clouds) enveloping our local earth-moon system?
- The relationship between plasma phenomena and anomalous experiences, including UFO/UAP encounters, altered states of consciousness, and transpersonal perception. Could plasma and plasmoid activity account for the diverse range of anomalous experiences associated with UFO/UAP activity?
- The so-called “danger of anthropomorphism” when interpreting plasmic activities that appear purposeful, life-like, intelligent, and perhaps even “aware,” as some astronaut testimony has suggested. Just how diverse are the forms of life and intelligence in the plasmic ocean of space?
- Whether the traditional methods associated with SETI and METI are too limited in nature, and overlook the real possibility of extraterrestrial plasma-life that is far closer to home. Can SETI and METI be expanded through a new SEPI endeavor: “The Search for Extraterrestrial Plasma Life?”
Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes presents on “Plasmonadology”
These dialogues revealed not only the radical frontiers of scientific and philosophical thought, but also the need for new metaphysical visions capable of holding these questions, with their various possibilities and tensions, together. The diversity of views exhibited in the workshop, far from being a weakness, served as a catalyst for insight, synthesis, and new lines of inquiry.
Over the course of six themed sessions and a final roundtable, presentations were delivered by an eclectic and deeply thoughtful group of contributors, including:
- Robert Temple on the imperative for a new scientific paradigm.
- Bernard Carr on extending physics to encompass the psychophysical domain.
- Timothy Eastman on process, context, and the possibility space of quantum and plasma phenomena.
- Matt Segall, Steve Odin, and Andrew Davis on Whiteheadian cosmology, cosmic sentience, and the living structure of the universe.
- Nick Cook on plasma, perception, and intelligence at the interface of reality.
- John Priestland on health-related concerns, both physical and psychological, associated with contact experiences and wider cultural acknowledgement of the reality of non-human intelligence (NHI).
- Jude Currivan on universal holography, planetary consciousness, and the ethics of emergence.
- Dana Kippel on plasma-consciousness synergy and human evolution.
- Jeffrey Kripal and Massimo Teodorani on anomalous phenomena and embodied transcendence.
- Kelly Chase, Ashton Arnoldy, and Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes on the intersection of myth, psyche, and plasma ontology.
Sessions were followed by rich group discussions, with participants reflecting across disciplines and deepening these various themes through dialogue. A welcome reception and group dinner further fostered a sense of community and the co-exploratory spirit of the group.
Conference speakers Kelly Chase (left), Andrew M. Davis, Bernard Carr, and Dana Kippel
Participants left not with the sense that this gathering was the endpoint, but a generative beginning of a much larger conversation that must extend from the academy to the wider culture. The final session discussed the nature of the anticipated volume that will bring together revised contributions from the workshop, capturing various emerging possibilities in a single publication. All are invited to stay tuned for updates on this forthcoming contribution.
From the Center for Process Studies, a huge thanks to all who made this event a success—with special appreciation for the speakers, organizers, and attendees who showed up morning after morning (and also late night in the pubs) with a spirit of curiosity, insight, and adventure.
Dr. Andrew M. Davis is an American process philosopher, theologian, and scholar of cosmological wonder. He is program director for the Center for Process Studies where he researches, writes, teaches, and organizes conferences on various aspects of process-relational thought. An advocate of metaphysics and meaning in a hospitable universe, he approaches philosophy as the endeavor to systematically think through what reality must be like because we are a part of it. He is author, editor, and co-editor of ten books including Mind, Value, and Cosmos: On the Relational Nature of Ultimacy; Process Cosmology: New Integrations in Science and Philosophy; and Metaphysics of Exo-Life: Toward a Constructive Whiteheadian Cosmotheology. Follow his work at andrewmdavis.info