Science of Survival introduces the concept of how life suffers encumbrances when interacting with the physical universe. This subsequently evolved further into understanding the thetan as something apart from the material universe. The more the life force believes itself to be the effect of the physical universe and hopelessly controlled by it, the more heavily the impediments of the reactive mind weigh on him and affect his level of ARC.

This text contains a complete description of the emotional tone scale, which measures impact of the physical universe upon the thetan by providing a measurement of the level of ARC present in any individual. The survival potential of the life force can be measured by its position on the emotional tone scale and can be increased by moving the thetan up to higher levels of ARC, thus restoring its position of control over the physical universe.

Advanced Procedures and Axioms tenders axioms which give a structure to man’s knowledge of his spiritual self and the relationship of the spirit with the physical universe. These axioms contain the fundamental principles which govern the mind and life and describe how the power of a thetan’s thoughts and decisions shape existence.

This text outlines counseling methods which return to the individual his own power of self-determinism. With these techniques, the emphasis shifts from addressing the encumbrances of the spirit to include direct communication with the thetan to raise his own awareness and ability.