Noos

Noos, also known as nooSphere, is a philosophical concept that describes the sphere of human thought. It is often presented as a third stage in the development of Earth, following the geosphere (inanimate matter) and the biosphere (life). The noos is the realm of ideas, consciousness, collective intelligence, and culture. It is seen as a network of interconnected minds and the sum total of human knowledge and experience.

The concept was first introduced by the French philosopher Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and the Russian scientist Vladimir Vernadsky. They independently developed similar ideas regarding the evolution of Earth and the emergence of a thinking layer. Teilhard de Chardin viewed the noos as a product of evolutionary convergence, where increasing complexity and interconnectedness of human minds would lead to a unified global consciousness. Vernadsky, focusing on biogeochemistry, described the noos as a new geological force driven by human reason and scientific thought, capable of transforming the planet.

The noos is not a physical entity but rather an emergent property of complex biological and social systems. It encompasses all forms of communication, education, art, science, and technology that facilitate the exchange and development of ideas. The internet and other global communication networks are often cited as contemporary manifestations or facilitators of the noos, allowing for unprecedented levels of information sharing and collective problem-solving. The concept suggests a future where humanity's collective intelligence plays an increasingly significant role in shaping the planet's destiny.