Noosphere

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈnəʊəsfɪə/

Origin

French noösphere, from Ancient Greek νόος (noos, "mind, spirit") + Ancient Greek σφαῖρα ("ball, globe").

Surface analysis is nous("mind") + -sphere.

Full definition of noosphere

Noun

1. A theoretical stage of evolutionary development, associated with consciousness, the mind, and personal relationships (often with reference to the writings of Teilhard de Chardin).
• 1980, Anthony Burgess, Earthly Powers, I used to have a pretty clear idea of God. Now we have these new theologians who say God’s inside here not up there or he’s an impersonal noosphere and the anthropomorphic image is out. Three unpersons in one anthropomorphic noosphere.

Related terms

• See: nous#Related terms