Integral theory

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This article is about "Integral Theory" as an emerging area of discourse. For "integral" as a term in spirituality, see Integral (spirituality). See Integral (disambiguation) for other uses.

Template:Integral thought Integral Theory is an area of discourse emerging from the theoretical psychology and philosophy of Ken Wilber, a body of work that has evolved in phases from a transpersonal psychology[1] synthesizing Western and non-Western understandings of consciousness with notions of cosmic, biological, human, and divine evolution[2] into an emerging field of scholarly research focused on the complex interactions of ontology, epistemology, and methodology[3]. It has been claimed to offer a "Theory of Everything"[4] described as a "post-metaphysical"[5] worldview and a "trans-path path"[6] for holistic development; however, the discourse has received limited acceptance in mainstream academia[7] and has been sharply criticized by some for insularity and lack of rigor[8].

Integral Theory (or integral approach[9][10], consciousness[11], paradigm[12], philosophy[11], society[13], or worldview[11]) has been applied in a variety of different domains: Integral Art, Integral Ecology, Integral Economics, Integral Politics, Integral Psychology, Integral Spirituality, and others. The first interdisciplinary academic conference on Integral Theory took place in 2008[14]. Integral Theory is said to be situated within Integral studies, described as an emerging interdisciplinary field of discourse[3]. Researchers have also developed applications in areas such as leadership, coaching, and organizational development.[15]

The Integral Institute was co-founded as a non-profit "think-and-practice tank"[16] by Ken Wilber and others in 2001,[17] to promote the theory and its practice. While there is no single organization defining the nature of Integral Theory, some have claimed that a loosely-defined "Integral movement" has appeared, expressed in a variety of conferences, workshops, publications, and blogs focused on themes in integral thought, such as spiritual evolution, and in academic developmental studies programs.[18] Others, however, have denied the existence of a single Integral movement, arguing that such claims conflate radically different phenomena[19].

The project of "The Integral University in Paris" was launched 28 February 2008. So far, the Integral University (“Université Intégrale” in French) in Paris refers to a cycle of conferences organized by the French chapter of the Club of Budapest(1,2) based on an idea put forward by Michel Saloff Coste. It is not an institute as such, as it is still in its developing stages.[1]

History

Although the first use of the term integral in a spiritual context was in the nineteenth century, Integral Theory's most recent antecedents include the California Institute of Integral Studies founded in 1968 by Haridas Chaudhuri (1913–1975), a Bengali philosopher and academic. Chaudhuri had been a correspondent of Sri Aurobindo, who developed his own perspective and philosophy. He established the California Institute of Integral Studies (originally the California Institute of Asian Studies), in 1968 in San Francisco (it became an independent organisation in 1974), and presented his own form of Integral psychology in the early 1970s.[20]

Don Beck and Chris Cowan use the term integral for a developmental stage which sequentially follows the pluralistic stage. The essential characteristic of this stage is that it continues the inclusive nature of the pluralistic mentality, yet extends this inclusiveness to those outside of the pluralistic mentality. In doing so, it accepts the ideas of development and hierarchy, which the pluralistic mentality finds difficult. Other ideas of Beck and Cowan include the "first tier" and "second tier", which refer to major periods of human development.

In late 1990s and 2000 Ken Wilber, who was influenced by both Aurobindo and Gebser, among many others, adopted the term Integral to refer to the latest revision of his own integral philosophy, which he called Integral theory [21] . He also established the Integral Institute as a think-tank for further development of these ideas. In his book Integral Psychology, Wilber lists a number of pioneers of the integral approach, post hoc. These include Goethe, Schelling, Hegel, Gustav Fechner, William James, Rudolf Steiner, Alfred North Whitehead, James Mark Baldwin, Jürgen Habermas, Sri Aurobindo, and Abraham Maslow.[22].

The adjective Integral has also been applied to Spiral Dynamics, chiefly the version taught by Don Beck, who for awhile collaborated with Wilber [23].

In the movement associated with Wilber, "Integral" when capitalized is given a further definition, being made synonymous with Wilber's AQAL Integral theory,[24] whereas "Integral Studies" refers to the broader field including the range of integral thinkers such as Jean Gebser, Sri Aurobindo, Ken Wilber, Rudolf Steiner, Edgar Morin and Ervin Laszlo.[25][26]

Methodologies

AQAL, pronounced "ah-qwul," is a widely used framework in Integral Theory. It is also alternatively called the Integral Operating System (IOS) or by various other synonyms. The term stands for "all quadrants, all levels, all lines, all states, and all types." It is conceived by some integral theorists to be one of the most comprehensive approach to reality, a metatheory that attempts to explain how academic disciplines and every form of knowledge and experience fit together coherently.[27]

In addition to AQAL, scholars have proposed other methodologies for integral studies. Bonnitta Roy has introduced a "Process Model" of integral theory, combining Western process philosophy, Dzogchen ideas, and Wilberian theory. She distinguishes between Wilber's concept of perspective and the Dzogchen concept of view, arguing that Wilber's view is situated within a framework or structural enfoldment which constrains it, in contrast to the Dzogchen intention of being mindful of view.[28] Wendelin Küpers, Ph.D., a German scholar specializing in phenomenological research, has proposed that an "integral pheno-practice" based on aspects of the work of Maurice Merleau-Ponty can provide the basis of an "adequate phenomenology" useful in integral research. His proposed approach claims to offer a more inclusive and coherent approach than classical phenomenology, including procedures and techniques called epoché, bracketing, reduction, and free variation.[29]

Contemporary figures

Main article: List of integral thinkers and supporters

A variety of intellectuals, academics, writers, and other specialists have advanced the integral theory in recent decades.

Themes

Integral art

Main article: Integral art

In the context of Integral Theory, Integral art can be defined as art that reaches across multiple quadrants and levels. It may also refer to art that was created by someone who thinks or acts in an integral way.

Integral ecology

Main article: Integral ecology

Integral ecology is a multi-disciplinary approach pioneered by Michael E. Zimmerman and Sean Esbjörn-Hargens. It applies Wilber's integral theory (especially the eight methodological perspectives) to the field of environmental studies and ecological research.[30][31][32][33]

Integral economics

Main article: Integral economics

Integral economics is a ‘paradigmatic’ methodology emanating from integral thought and theory as it translates to economics. This 'new' praxis offers a structural framework for addressing and resolving problems the Integral Institute has associated in their Mission with “evolutionary forms of capitalism; and the culture wars in political, religious, and scientific domains”. These efforts are thus affording "theorists and developmental psychologists a needed and useful early look at the formal, dynamic process by which the evolution of higher-order development proceeds" in relation to an integral model.[34]

Integral politics

Main article: Integral politics

Integral politics is an endeavor to develop a balanced and comprehensive politics around the principles of integral studies. Theorists including Don Beck, Lawrence Chickering, Jack Crittenden, David Sprecher, and Ken Wilber have applied concepts such as the AQAL methodology of Integral Theory to issues in political philosophy and applications in government.[35]

Integral psychology

Main article: Integral psychology

Integral psychology is originally is based on the Yoga psychology of Sri Aurobindo [36]. In the context of Integral Theory, it applies Wilber's AQAL and related themes to the field of psychology [37]. For Wilber, Integral psychology is psychology that is inclusive or holistic rather than exclusivist or reductive, and alues and integrates multiple explanations and methodologies.[38][39]

Integration of integral theories

Emerging from the broader integral movement is a range meta-theoretical approaches to integral theorising. This includes Mark Edward's notion of integral metatheory, Jennifer Gidley's integration of integral views and Gary Hampson's ecology of integrals. Gidley's position is that integral theory creation to date has been seriously hampered by internal rivalry, factionalism and, ironically, lack of integration of kindred theories. She offers a means for perceiving the interrelationships among significant integrative approaches that have been operating in relative isolation from each other. Her research points towards the possibility of new liaisons between approaches that are: inclusive of the vastness of noospheric breadth (macro-integral); that provide rigorous theoretic means for cohering it (meso-integral); that attend to the concrete details required for applying the theories (micro-integral); that encourage the participation of all aspects of the human being throughout this process (participatory-integral); and that are able to traverse and converse across these multiple dimensions (transversal-integral). [40]

Reception in mainstream academia

Although Integral Theory is regarded by some academics as pioneering the frontier of developmental interdisciplinary research, it has been widely ignored at mainstream academic institutions. Nevertheless, about 90 M.A. theses or Ph.D. dissertations have been written between 1987 and 2009 that make use of Integral Theory, according to the Integral Research Center.[41] Integral research has been published in an array of interdisciplinary or intradisciplinary journals,[42][43][44][45][46] however it has been said by some to have a ways to go in terms of being brought into dialogue with other disciplines.[47]

The capacity of Integral Theory to synthesize major Western and non-Western psychologies, the perennial philosophy, and religious ideas into a cross-cultural map of consciousness has been applauded, sometimes with arguably hyperbolic enthusiasm.[48] Huston Smith, a professor of Philosophy and Religion at Syracuse University and author of The World's Religions, has said that Wilber's integral theory brings Asian and Western psychology together more systematically and comprehensively than other approaches.[48] Michael E. Zimmerman, writing in The Encyclopedia of Religion and Nature, says that Wilber's views are sometimes sharply contested, but he is widely admired for his efforts in forming a "constructive postmodernism" able to "reenchant" the world without inviting regression.[2]

Forman and Esbjörn-Hargens, two of the leading proponents of Integral Theory, maintain that the integral paradigm has made limited inroads in academic research because many of Wilber's influential writings have been situated between conventional academic discourse and popular philosophy.[7] However, the independent scholar Frank Visser says that there is a problematic relation between Wilber and academia for several reasons, including a "self-referential discourse" wherein Wilber tends to describe his work as being at the forefront of science.[8] Visser has compiled a bibliography of online criticism of Wilber's Integral Theory[49] and produced an overview of their objections.[50] Another Wilber critic, the independent scholar Andrew P. Smith, observes that most of Wilber's work has not been published by university presses, a fact that discourages some academics from taking his ideas seriously. Wilber's failure to respond to critics of integral theory is also said to contribute to the field's chilly reception in some quarters.[51] Forman and Esbjörn-Hargens have countered criticisms regarding the academic standing of integral studies in part by claiming that the divide between Integral Theory and academia is exaggerated by critics who themselves lack academic credentials or standing. They also said that participants at the first Integral Theory Conference in 2008 had largely mainstream academic credentials and pointed to existing programs in alternative universities as an indication of the field's emergence.[7]

Jennifer Gidley Research Fellow at RMIT University Melbourne, points to the need in the 21st century to create conceptual bridges between integral theory, philosophy and pedagogy and other related philosophical, theoretical and pedagogical approaches. She undertook a comparative study of key evolution of consciousness thinkers, focusing particularly on the integral theoretic narratives of Rudolf Steiner, Jean Gebser, and Ken Wilber (but also with due reference to the seminal writings of Sri Aurobindo and those of contemporary European integral theorists such as Ervin Laszlo and Edgar Morin. She noted the conceptual breadth of Wilber's integral evolutionary narrative in transcending both scientism and epistemological isolationism. She also drew attention to some limitations of Wilber’s integral project, notably his undervaluing of Gebser's actual text, and the substantial omission of the pioneering contribution of Steiner, who, as early as 1904 wrote extensively about the evolution of consciousness, including the imminent emergence of a new stage.[52] As a contribution to the knowledge base of integral education Gidley has also undertaken a hermeneutic comparative analysis of Rudolf Steiner's educational approach and Wilber's Integral Operating System. [53]

See also

References

  1. ^ Grof, Stanislav. "A Brief History of Transpersonal Psychology", StanislavGrof.com, p. 11. Retrieved via StanislavGrof.com on Jan. 13, 2010.
  2. ^ a b Zimmerman, Michael E. (2005). "Ken Wilber (1949 -)", The Encyclopedia of Religion and Nature, p. 1743. London: Continuum. Cite error: The named reference "zimmerman1" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b Esbjörn-Hargens, Sean (2006). "Editor’s Inaugural Welcome," AQAL: Journal of Integral Theory and Practice, p. v. Retrieved Jan. 7, 2010. Cite error: The named reference "eborn-hargens1" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  4. ^ Macdonald, Copthorne. "(Review of) A Theory of Everything: An Integral Vision for Business, Politics, Science, and Spirituality by Ken Wilber," Integralis: Journal of Integral Consciousness, Culture, and Science, Vol. 1, No. 0. Retrieved via WisdomPage.com on Jan. 7, 2010.
  5. ^ Editors. "God's Playing a New Game: The Guru & The Pandit: Andrew Cohen & Ken Wilber in dialogue," What Is Enlightenment?, Issue 33. Retrieved via AndrewCohen.com on Jan. 7, 2010.
  6. ^ Integral Institute. "Integral Spiritual Center: A Trans-Path Path to Tomorrow,". Retrieved via IntegralInstitute.org on Jan. 13, 2010.
  7. ^ a b c Forman, Mark D. and Esbjörn-Hargens, Sean. "The Academic Emergence of Integral Theory," Integral World. Retrieved via IntegralWorld.net on Jan. 7, 2010.
  8. ^ a b Visser, Frank. "Assessing Integral Theory: Opportunities and Impediments," Integral World. Retrieved via IntegralWorld.net on Jan. 7, 2010 Cite error: The named reference "visser1" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  9. ^ Fuhs, Clint. "An Essential Introduction to the Integral Approach" Integral Life. Retrieved via IntegralLife.com on Jan. 13, 2010.
  10. ^ Floyd, Josh, Burns, Alex, and Ramos, Jose (2008). A Challenging Conversation on Integral Futures: Embodied Foresight & Trialogues, Journal of Futures Studies, November 2008, Vol. 13, No. 2, p. 69. Retrieved via ForesightInternational.com.au on January 10, 2010.
  11. ^ a b c McIntosh, Steve (2007). Integral Consciousness and the Future of Evolution, St. Paul, Minn.: Paragon House, p. 2-3. ISBN 978-1-55778-867-2 pp.2-3 and Chapter 7.
  12. ^ Ross, Sara, Fuhr, Reinhard, et. al. (2005). "Integral Review and its Editors," Integral Review, Issue 1, 2005. Retrieved Jan. 7, 2010.
  13. ^ Goerner, Sally J. (2007). After the Clockwork Universe: The Emerging Science and Culture of Integral Society, Chapel Hill, NC: Triangle Center for Complex Systems.
  14. ^ JFK University and Integral Institute."Integral Theory in Action: Serving Self, Other & Kosmos," Retrieved via IntegralTheoryConference.com on Jan. 7, 2010.
  15. ^ Editors. "About Integral Leadership Review (ILR),". Retrieved via IntegralLeadershipReview.com on Jan. 7, 2010.
  16. ^ JFK University and Integral Institute."IntegralTheoryConference.com," IntegralTheoryConference.com. Retrieved via IntegralTheoryConference.com on Jan. 13, 2010.
  17. ^ Asian Foresight Institute. "Ken Wilber & Integral Thinking," AsianForesightInstitute.org. Retrieved Jan. 13, 2010
  18. ^ Patten, Terry. "Integral Heart Newsletter #1: Exploring Big Questions in the Integral World," Integral Heart Newsletter. Retrieved via IntegralHeart.com on Jan. 13, 2010.
  19. ^ Kazlev, Alan. "Redefining Integral," Integral World. Retrieved via IntegralWorld.net on Jan. 13, 2010.
  20. ^ Haridas Chaudhuri, "Psychology: Humanistic and Transpersonal". Journal of Humanistic Psychology, and The Evolution of Integral Consciousness; Bahman Shirazi "Integral psychology, metaphors and processes of personal integration" in Cornelissen (ed.) Consciousness and Its Transformation online version
  21. ^ Daryl S. Paulson, Wilber's Integral Philosophy: A Summary and Critique, Journal of Humanistic Psychology 2008; 48: 364-388
  22. ^ Ken Wilber, Integral Psychology, Shambhalla, 2000 p.78
  23. ^ Christopher Cooke and Ben Levi Spiral Dynamics Integral
  24. ^ Matt Rentschler, AQAL Glossary, p.15
  25. ^ Sean Esbjörn-Hargens, An Overvew of Integral Theory - An All-Inclusive Framework for the 21st Century p.22 note 4, Integral Institute—Resource Paper No. 1, 2009
  26. ^ Gidley, J. An Other View of Integral Futures: De/reconstructing the IF Brand Futures: The journal of policy, planning and futures studies, 2010, Volume 42, Issue 4: 125-133.
  27. ^ Wilber, Ken. "AQAL Glossary," "Introduction to Integral Theory and Practice: IOS Basic and the AQAL Map," Vol. 1, No. 3. Retrieved on Jan. 7, 2010.
  28. ^ Roy, Bonnitta (2006). "A Process Model of Integral Theory," Integral Review, 3, 2006. Retrieved on Jan. 10, 2010.
  29. ^ Küpers, Wendelin "The Status and Relevance of Phenomenology for Integral Research: Or Why Phenomenology is More and Different than an 'Upper Left' or 'Zone #1' Affair," Integral Review, June 2009, Vol. 5, No. 1. Retrieved on Jan. 10, 2010.
  30. ^ Zimmerman, M. (2005). “Integral Ecology: A Perspectival, Developmental, and Coordinating Approach to Environmental Problems.” World Futures: The Journal of General Evolution 61, nos. 1-2: 50-62.
  31. ^ Esbjörn-Hargens, S. (2008). “Integral Ecological Research: Using IMP to Examine Animals and Sustainability” in Journal of Integral Theory and Practice Vol 3, No. 1.
  32. ^ Esbjörn-Hargens, S. & Zimmerman, M. E. (2008). “Integral Ecology” Callicott, J. B. & Frodeman, R. (Eds.) Encyclopedia of Environmental Ethics and Philosophy. New York: Macmillan Library Reference.
  33. ^ Sean Esbjörn-Hargens and Michael E. Zimmerman, Integral Ecology: Uniting Multiple Perspectives on the Natural World, Integral Books (2009) ISBN 1590304667
  34. ^ Kevin J. Bowman, Integral Neoclassical Economic Growth, as submitted to AQAL: Journal of Integral Theory and Practice, June 27, 2008
  35. ^ Ken Wilber (2000). A Theory of Everything: An Integral Vision for Business, Politics, Science and Spirituality, p. 153. Boston: Shambhala Publications. ISBN 1570628556
  36. ^ Indra Sen, Integral Psychology: The Psychological System of Sri Aurobindo, Pondicherry, India: Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust, 1986
  37. ^ Ken Wilber, Integral Psychology : Consciousness, Spirit, Psychology, Therapy Shambhala, ISBN 1-57062-554-9
  38. ^ Wilber, K., 1997, An integral theory of consciousness; Journal of Consciousness Studies, 4 (1), pp.71-92
  39. ^ Esbjörn-Hargens, S., & Wilber, K. (2008). “Integral Psychology” in The Corsini’s Encyclopedia of Psychology. 4th Edition. New York: John Wiley and Sons.
  40. ^ An Other View of Integral Futures: De/reconstructing the IF Brand Futures: The journal of policy, planning and futures studies, 2010, Volume 42, Issue 4: 125-133.
  41. ^ Integral Research Center." References of M.A. Theses & Ph.D. Dissertations Using Integral Theory," IntegralResearchCenter.org (2009-5-28). Retrieved on Jan. 7, 2010.
  42. ^ See, for example: John J. Gibbs, et. al. "Criminology and the Eye of Spirit: An Introduction and Application to the Thoughts of Ken Wilber", Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice. 2000. 16; 99.
  43. ^ Ron Cacioppe, et. al. "Adjusting blurred visions: A typology of integral approaches to organisations", Journal of Organizational Change Management. 2005. Vol. 18, No. 3, p. 230 - 246.
  44. ^ Daryl S. Paulson, PhD "Wilber's Integral Philosophy: A Summary and Critique", Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 2008. Vol. 48, No. 3, 364-388
  45. ^ Olen Gunnlaugson. "Toward Integrally Informed Theories of Transformative Learning", Journal of Transformative Education, Vol. 3, No. 4, 331-353
  46. ^ Chris C. Stewart "Humanicide: From Myth to Risk", Journal of Futures Studies, May 2005, 9(4): 15 - 28.
  47. ^ Gary P. Hampson. "Integral Re-views Postmodernism: The Way Out Is Through", Integral Review, Vol. 4, p. 108 - 173. Retrieved on 2010-1-8.
  48. ^ a b Editors of KenWilber.com."Meta-Genius: A Celebration of Ken's Writings (Part 1)," KenWilber.com, accessed 2010-1-10. Cite error: The named reference "metagenius" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  49. ^ Visser, Frank. "Critics on Ken Wilber," IntegralWorld.net. Retrieved on Jan. 10, 2010.
  50. ^ Frank Visser "A Spectrum of Wilber Critics," IntegralWorld.net, accessed 2010-1-10.
  51. ^ Smith, Andrew P. "Contextualizing Ken," IntegralWorld.net. Retrieved on Jan. 7, 2010.
  52. ^ Gidley, J. The Evolution of Consciousness as a Planetary Imperative: An Integration of Integral Views, Integral Review: A Transdisciplinary and Transcultural Journal for New Thought, Research and Praxis, 2007, Issue 5, p. 4-226.]
  53. ^ Gidley, J. Educational Imperatives of the Evolution of Consciousness: The Integral Visions of Rudolf Steiner and Ken Wilber, The International Journal of Children’s Spirituality. 12 (2): 170-135.]

External links

Academic programs

Conferences

Organizations

Publications

  • Conscious Evolution, essays and articles about the multidisciplinary, integral study of consciousness and the Kosmos.
  • Integral Leadership Review, the site of the online publications Integral Leadership Review and Leading Digest
  • Integral Life online community website that is the sponsoring organization of Integral Institute, a non-profit academic think tank.
  • Integral Review Journal, an online peer reviewed journal.
  • Integral World website and online resource maintained by Frank Visser.
  • Journal of Integral Theory and Practice a peer-reviewed academic journal founded in 2003 with its first issue appearing in 2006.
  • Kosmos Journal, founded in 2001, a leading international journal for planetary citizens committed to the birth and emergence of a new planetary culture and civilization.
  • World Futures: Journal of General Evolution. An academic journal devoted to promoting evolutionary models, theories and approaches within and among the natural and the social sciences.
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