Integral Theory

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about "Integral Theory" as an emerging area of discourse. See Integral
(disambiguation) for other uses.

Integral Theory is an area of discourse emerging from the theoretical psychology

and philosophy of Ken Wilber [1], a body of work that has evolved in phases from a
transpersonal psychology[2] synthesizing Western and non-Western understandings
of consciousness with notions of cosmic, biological, human, and divine evolution [3]
into an emerging field of scholarly research focused on the complex interactions of
ontology, epistemology, and methodology.[4] Wilber claims it offers a "Theory of
Everything"[5] described as a "post-metaphysical" [6] worldview and a "trans-path
path"[7] for holistic development; however, the discourse has received limited
acceptance in mainstream academia[8] and has been sharply criticized by some for
insularity and lack of rigor.[9]

It has been widely ignored at mainstream academic institutions.

Integral Theory 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.[10] Integral Theory is said to be situated within Integral
studies, described as an emerging interdisciplinary field of discourse. [4] Researchers
have also developed applications in areas such as leadership, coaching, and
organization development.[11]

[edit] 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 approaches to reality, a metatheory that attempts to explain how
academic disciplines and every form of knowledge and experience fit together
coherently.[12]

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.[13] 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.[14]

In the context of an integral approach to climate change, Sean Esbjörn-Hargens has

proposed a new approach called Integral Pluralism, which builds on Wilber's recent
work but emphasises elements such as Ontological Pluralism that are understaed in
absent in Wilber's own writings[15].

[edit] 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.

[edit] Themes

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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. [16][17][18][19]

[edit] 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. [20]

[edit] Integral leadership

Main article: Integral leadership

As the term is often used, Integral leadership is a style of leadership that attempts to
integrate other major styles of leadership. In "style" terms, integral leadership is an
approach to influence that involves understanding 'where people are' (their
mindsets, values, goals, capabilities and situational dynamics) and then interacting
with them in a way that is appropriate and helpful given 'where they are'.[21]

[edit] 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.[22]

[edit] Integral psychology

Main article: Integral psychology

Integral psychology is originally is based on the Yoga psychology of Sri

Aurobindo.[23] In the context of Integral Theory, it applies Wilber's AQAL and
related themes to the field of psychology. [24] For Wilber, Integral psychology is
psychology that is inclusive or holistic rather than exclusivist or reductive, and
values and integrates multiple explanations and methodologies.[25][26]

[edit] Integration of integral theories

Emerging from the broader integral movement is a range of meta-theoretical

approaches to integral theorizing. 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). [27]

[edit] 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.[28] Integral research has been
published in an array of interdisciplinary or intradisciplinary
journals,[29][30][31][32][33] however it has been said by some to have a ways to go in
terms of being brought into dialogue with other disciplines.[34]

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. [35] 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 approach.[35] 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.[3]

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.[8] 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. [9]
Visser has compiled a bibliography of online criticism of Wilber's Integral Theory [36]
and produced an overview of their objections. [37] 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.[38] 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.[8]

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.[39]
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.[40]

[edit] See also

Integral (spirituality)
Ken Wilber
Post-postmodernism
Systems science

[edit] References

1. Esbjörn-Hargens, S. (2010). Introduction. In Esbjörn-Hargens (ed.) Integral

Theory in Action: Applied, Theoretical, and Constructive Perspectives on the
AQAL Model. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press
2. Grof, Stanislav. "A Brief History of Transpersonal Psychology",
StanislavGrof.com, p. 11. Retrieved via StanislavGrof.com on Jan. 13, 2010.
3. ^ a b Zimmerman, Michael E. (2005). "Ken Wilber (1949 -)", The Encyclopedia
of Religion and Nature, p. 1743. London: Continuum.
4. ^ a b Esbjörn-Hargens, Sean (2006). "Editor’s Inaugural Welcome," AQAL:
Journal of Integral Theory and Practice, p. v. Retrieved Jan. 7, 2010.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Integral Institute. "Integral Spiritual Center: A Trans-Path Path to Tomorrow,".
Retrieved via IntegralInstitute.org on Jan. 13, 2010.
8. ^ 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.
9. ^ a b Visser, Frank. "Assessing Integral Theory: Opportunities and
Impediments," Integral World. Retrieved via IntegralWorld.net on Jan. 7, 2010
10. JFK University and Integral Institute."Integral Theory in Action: Serving Self,
Other & Kosmos," Retrieved via IntegralTheoryConference.com on Jan. 7, 2010.
11. Editors. "About Integral Leadership Review (ILR),". Retrieved via
IntegralLeadershipReview.com on Jan. 7, 2010.
12. 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.
13. Roy, Bonnitta (2006). "A Process Model of Integral Theory," Integral Review, 3,
2006. Retrieved on Jan. 10, 2010.
14. 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.
15. Esbjörn-Hargens, S. (2010) An Ontology of Climate Change: Integral Pluralism
and the Enactment of Multiple Objects. Journal of Integral Theory and Practice,
V5.1, March 2010, pp.143-74
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Sean Esbjörn-Hargens and Michael E. Zimmerman, Integral Ecology: Uniting
Multiple Perspectives on the Natural World, Integral Books (2009) ISBN
1590304667
20. Kevin J. Bowman, Integral Neoclassical Economic Growth, as submitted to
AQAL: Journal of Integral Theory and Practice, June 27, 2008
21. Kupers, W. & Volckmann, R. (2009). "A Dialogue on Integral Leadership".
Integral Leadership Review, Volume IX, No. 4 - August 2009. Retrieved on
October 23, 2010.
22. Ken Wilber (2000). A Theory of Everything: An Integral Vision for Business,
Politics, Science and Spirituality, p. 153. Boston: Shambhala Publications. ISBN
1570628556
23. Indra Sen, Integral Psychology: The Psychological System of Sri Aurobindo,
Pondicherry, India: Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust, 1986
24. Ken Wilber, Integral Psychology : Consciousness, Spirit, Psychology, Therapy
Shambhala, ISBN 1-57062-554-9
25. Wilber, K., 1997, An integral theory of consciousness; Journal of Consciousness
Studies, 4 (1), pp.71-92
26. Esbjörn-Hargens, S., & Wilber, K. (2008). “Integral Psychology” in The
Corsini’s Encyclopedia of Psychology. 4th Edition. New York: John Wiley and
Sons.
27. 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.
28. Integral Research Center." References of M.A. Theses & Ph.D. Dissertations
Using Integral Theory," IntegralResearchCenter.org (2009-5-28). Retrieved on
Jan. 7, 2010.
29. 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.
30. 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.
31. Daryl S. Paulson, PhD "Wilber's Integral Philosophy: A Summary and
Critique", Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 2008. Vol. 48, No. 3, 364-388
32. Olen Gunnlaugson. "Toward Integrally Informed Theories of Transformative
Learning", Journal of Transformative Education, Vol. 3, No. 4, 331-353
33. Chris C. Stewart "Humanicide: From Myth to Risk", Journal of Futures
Studies, May 2005, 9(4): 15 - 28.
34. Gary P. Hampson. "Integral Re-views Postmodernism: The Way Out Is
Through", Integral Review, Vol. 4, p. 108 - 173. Retrieved on 2010-1-8.
35. ^ a b Editors of KenWilber.com."Meta-Genius: A Celebration of Ken's Writings
(Part 1)," KenWilber.com, accessed 2010-1-10.
36. Visser, Frank. "Critics on Ken Wilber," IntegralWorld.net. Retrieved on Jan. 10,
2010.
37. Frank Visser "A Spectrum of Wilber Critics," IntegralWorld.net, accessed 2010-
1-10.
38. Smith, Andrew P. "Contextualizing Ken," IntegralWorld.net. Retrieved on Jan.
7, 2010.
39. 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.]
40. 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.]

[edit] External links

Academic programs
 California Institute of Integral Studies, offers programs in integral studies.
Fielding Graduate University, offers programs in integral studies.
John F. Kennedy University, MA in Integral Theory an accredited online
Master of Arts degree in Integral Theory.

Conferences

Integral Theory Conference the official site for the biennial Integral Theory
Conference held at JFK University.
Integral Leadership in Action the official site for the 4th annual conference on
integral conscious leadership.

Organizations

Integral Institute a non-profit academic think tank.

Integral Research Center a grant giving mixed-methods research center based
on Integral Methodological Pluralism.

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.