Week 7/8 Science Fiction

What was does Dick (1995) himself theorise about the I Ching? 

It is interesting how Dick interprets the process of puberty as an almost second ‘birth’ into the unknown and unanticipated existence of the Koinos Kosmos (adulthood). Here the daily chores of decision making for day to day life can be very difficult for those who are post ‘schizoid effective’. These difficulties occur when a being is “thrust out of the postwomb womb” (Dick, 1995), to face the ticking of the biological clock; and having to face the task of reality. However, during the schizoid-effective stage, they were able to avoid ‘reality, to a ceratin degree. This thrusting out of the ‘womb’ leaves them vulnerable and ultimately will find themselves ‘engulfed in it’ (pp 176)

Ross (2007) gives a brief history of Dick’s mental health, and it appears Dick had entered a facility between 1944 – 1946 for psychiatric treatment for several disorders he suffered from; including the socially crippling agoraphobia.  Couple with the thought that he may have suffered from schizophrenia at the time, Dick may have during this period discovered the I Ching. Dick defines synchronicity, or "coincidence" if you will as, "events occurring outside of time" (p.g 177), and taking place in the now. An example of synchronicity  given by Dick is of a schizophrenics bad luck of being in a car accident, and on release from hospital  they again find themselves 'coincidentally' in another car accident, with a very similar car. Synchronicity is timeless, and unlimited with no built end (p.g 177). This is where the tables of Dick’s theory of the I Ching begin to form. For him, the I Ching is a book of synchronicity, and perhaps means of coping with his various afflictions.

NB: I haven't managed to answer all these questions, i have in part through comments, Science fiction i have found this far the hardest to analyse and understand. However, i do find 'The man in the high castle' very interesting especially paralleled with the readings i have done on the author Dick.