The Value of Theoretical Models & Conceptual Maps

[Inspire]

Original Post at http://eric-blue.gaia.com/blog/200/5/the_value_of_theoretical_model...

What is the true benefit and practical application of uber theories like Integral and Spiral Dynamics?

I've been thinking about this topic recently, and there were a few Twitter conversations (tweets) yesterday that prompted me too dig deeper:

@ericschiller: How useful are models like spiral dynamics at helping us grow? Or do they just show us the path, but not the steps? @ericblue: @ericschiller I've thought about that quite a bit. the models are helpful in 'showing the path', or giving you a flashlight in the cave.

@ericblue: @ericschiller I've been thinking of ways to balance theoretical (top-heavy conceptual models) w/ pragmatic use. How can you apply in life.

@NeillGibson: @ericschiller @ericblue interesting link on spiral dynamics = Rich Carlson’s critique of Integral Theory http://bit.ly/25Syv

@ericblue: @NeillGibson @ericschiller Good critique of SD, Integral & theories in general @ http://tinyurl.com/puser8 (was my 1st intro to Integral)

One very interesting point that came from my last link (Tim Boucher's critique of Ken wilber back in 2005) was the following:

Who needs theories, anyways?

"My first and probably biggest question about this book and Wilber’s work in general is: Why on earth do we need a Theory of Everything? Life already gives us the everything, so what’s the use in having a theory about everything? Doesn’t the extra layer of theory add also a layer of distance, a separation between us and the everything? Do I need a theory about how locomotion works into the grand scheme of the universe in order to run across a field in spring-time with a dog? Do I need to know the biological mechanisms that control love, sex and attraction to be totally captivated by the sleeping face of the woman I’m in love with? I guess I’m beginning to feel less and less interested in theory for it’s own sake. I find myself drawn increasingly to the approach that fields like Neuro-Linguistic Programming take; they say, “we don’t have a theory” and instead just focus on what works and what doesn’t."

This is a very good point.

Personally speaking, I'm a huge fan of both Integral and Spiral Dynamics. I'm drawn to 'theory of everything' models for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, I like the complexity (the intellectual challange) and the simplicity (how does everything work together) at the same time. One challenge though with all these models is that they, of course, don't truely represent reality as it is. You know, the age old cliche of 'the map is not the territory'.

I feel in many ways, after much reading and research, that I'm cognitively starting to 'get it'. And, while I'm really starting to grok some of these models I'm recognizing (as much as I can) where I'm at on the developmental path (stages, lines, spiral, etc.). Like many predominantly left-brained (I don't always like that term, but let's just say analytical) people that are drawn to 'conceptual cartography' I've observed that my cognitive/intellectual line of development might be slighly ahead of other areas.

So, these theories seem to work great for enhancing cognitive lines, but what about emotional, spiritual, moral and others? As much as I love theories, and I am predominantly an idealist, I also have a very down to earth side. I've recognized that in order to be truely integral you need to balance theory with some sort of practice and application. It seems that pragmatism and practicality are the answer. I think there is something to be said about Praxis: the process by which a theory, lesson, or skill is enacted or practiced. As William James said, "What, in short, is the truth's cash-value in experiential terms?".

What does this mean about theories? You could argue that they might be a 'cognitive burden', are intellectually top-heavy, a barrier to entry, and a labeling mechanism. Should they be tossed aside? While looking for some answers to this question, I stumbled across a passage in 'Integral Spirituality' by Ken Wilber pg. 38:

".... you can sit on your meditation mat for decades, and you will NEVER see anything resembling the stages of Spiral Dynamics. And you can study Spiral Dynamics till the cows come home, and you will NEVER have a satori. And the integral point is, if you don't include both, you will likely never understand human beings or their relation to Reality, divine or otherwise."

I think this explanation is practical and makes a lot of sense. All of these complex maps and conceptual models serve a very important purpose. Not only do they help point out where YOU are at on a developmental path (raising consciousness and pushing towards integration), they can also help you understand and effectively adopt the perspective of OTHERS (enabling empathy and compassion). After all, how can you take somebody else's point of view without fully considering their life situation, values, wants/needs/desires, belief system, and stage of development? ----------------------------- For good introductions/summaries of both Integral Philosophy & Spiral Dynamics check out:
Integral Vision Mind Maps
http://eric-blue.com/2008/12/18/integral-vision-mind-maps/

Spiral Dynamics Mind Map
http://eric-blue.com/2009/05/17/spiral-dynamics-mind-map/

[Joe Egerszegi]

These links didn't work for me.

Integral Vision Mind Maps
http://eric-blue.com/2008/12/18/integral-vision-mind-maps/

Spiral Dynamics Mind Map
http://eric-blue.com/2009/05/17/spiral-dynamics-mind-map/

[zachary samuel krueck]

this may seem a little off course but thats ok. i am not a follower of astrology. i do however, believe, that as humans we have available to us a certain number of personalities. for arguments sake lets say there are 12 like astrology and the tarot say. whether or not the gravity of the planets or whatnot have anything to do with what type of personality we start off with, i dont know. until we master those 12 personalities we are at the mercy of the cycle they follow. there are three of each of earth air fire and water personalities. air complemetns earth personality because it lightens them up. earth personality grounds the head in the clouds air. fire heats up the water and water when the time is right cools things down. there are also six personalities that favor female energy and six that favor male, i dont have my astro book with me now. finally there are cardinal, fixed and mutable personalities 4 of each.mutable is adaptive, fixed is structural, and cardinal fluctuates between the two. lets say that all this is true. lets say that there are auspicicious times for you to lead or to follow. you know when we say were having a bad day or things arent going your way thats because you are not in touch with your full personality. maybe youre too cool or too heavy, be the opposite. i could get further into this but my point here is that conceptual maps and models even paintings will havee more or less meaning depending on the cycle of the personality/the time of year. i feel like we are coming out of a sort of collective mentality into an individual mentality, from communion to agency. i was reading something by jaron lanier the other day and he says that everyones trying to get the bigger picture meta meta meta! yes werre tired of meta and are slowly gaining traction to start taking care of ourselves as individuals. in nature this comes much more natrally but in big cities people gain ground and dont know when to stop. and when this is over a few months from now we will start communion again. also there are smaller and smaller cycles of communion and agency in monthly weekly daily waves. id write more but i have to go eat.