1. the sphere of human consciousness and mental activity regarded as a stage of evolutionary development following the biosphere
Usage: philosophical; scientific theory

Examples

• The concept of the noosphere was developed by philosopher Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.
• Scientists debate whether the internet represents an early form of the noosphere.
• The noosphere theory suggests that human thought collectively influences planetary evolution.
• Some researchers view global communication networks as evidence of an emerging noosphere.
• The noosphere encompasses all human knowledge and consciousness on Earth.
• Environmental philosophers discuss the relationship between the biosphere and noosphere.