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A critical history of 2012 mythology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 July 2011

John W. Hoopes*
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University of Kansas, 1415 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence, KS 66045, USA email: [email protected]
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Abstract

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The notion that December 21, 2012 will bring physical catastrophes, a transformation of consciousness, or even a New Age is an unanticipated and unintentional consequence of early speculation by credentialed academic experts. It has grown as a result of its subsequent interpretation through the lens of speculative, counterculture metaphysics by individuals with both academic and non-academic backgrounds. This article provides a historical review of the most significant contributions to the emergence of the 2012 phenomenon.

Type
Contributed Papers
Copyright
Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2011

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