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May 2009 
The Integral Paradigm
Posted on Mar 31st, 2009
by 
M. Alan
M. Alan
Just cross-posting this on Blogger com (Integral Transformation) as well.
My book, formerly Integral Metaphysics and Transformation, will now be called The Integral Paradigm (with apologies to Thomas Kuhn!). I feel that Paradigm is a broader and hence more useful and comprehensive term than metaphysics, if a bit New Agey.
Also, the phrase the Integral Movement (which I previous used) is inappropriate for anything other than the Wilber-Beck-Cohen-etc movement (which I previously called "Integral Movement sensu stricta"). Because it is not a movement as such, but rather a frame of reference (hence "paradigm" a la Fritjof Capra).
Basically i define the Integral Paradigm in terms of seven central interrelated and interweaving themes:
1) Manysidedness (in Jainism Anekantavada), Broadness, All-Inclusiveness)
2) Metaphysics, Esotericism, Gnosis, (Absolute Reality, Great Chain of Being, evolving body of godhead, etc)
3) Evolution, (includes Spiritual evolution, but also scientific e.g. Darwinian, evolution), Creativity, spontaneity
4) Empathy for all beings, Sentientism, I-Thou (Buber), Participatory epistemology & spirituality
5) Co-Creation, Transformation of self and society, and of all aspects of the being
6) Synthesis of all partial perspectives and practices in a larger or universal integral whole
7) Singularity, Divinization, Perfection (Omega Point, Supramentalization, Transhumanist Singularity, etc)
This represents a radical revisioning previous definitions of Integral philosophy.
Anyway, I'm pretty pleased with how the book is turning out. Chapter one is mostly done to my sastisfaction; if anyone is interested in reading it and giving feedback and constructive criticism let me know.
My book, formerly Integral Metaphysics and Transformation, will now be called The Integral Paradigm (with apologies to Thomas Kuhn!). I feel that Paradigm is a broader and hence more useful and comprehensive term than metaphysics, if a bit New Agey.
Also, the phrase the Integral Movement (which I previous used) is inappropriate for anything other than the Wilber-Beck-Cohen-etc movement (which I previously called "Integral Movement sensu stricta"). Because it is not a movement as such, but rather a frame of reference (hence "paradigm" a la Fritjof Capra).
Basically i define the Integral Paradigm in terms of seven central interrelated and interweaving themes:
1) Manysidedness (in Jainism Anekantavada), Broadness, All-Inclusiveness)
2) Metaphysics, Esotericism, Gnosis, (Absolute Reality, Great Chain of Being, evolving body of godhead, etc)
3) Evolution, (includes Spiritual evolution, but also scientific e.g. Darwinian, evolution), Creativity, spontaneity
4) Empathy for all beings, Sentientism, I-Thou (Buber), Participatory epistemology & spirituality
5) Co-Creation, Transformation of self and society, and of all aspects of the being
6) Synthesis of all partial perspectives and practices in a larger or universal integral whole
7) Singularity, Divinization, Perfection (Omega Point, Supramentalization, Transhumanist Singularity, etc)
This represents a radical revisioning previous definitions of Integral philosophy.
Anyway, I'm pretty pleased with how the book is turning out. Chapter one is mostly done to my sastisfaction; if anyone is interested in reading it and giving feedback and constructive criticism let me know.
Access: Public
Hi Alan,
Long time no contact.
I would be glad to read your chapter one!!!
I like your 7 point definition.
I've been working on my own book: Find Your Way—what I am now considering as a philsophic self help book. Offering a way to understand and gain instight into the forces that shaped you and thus providing you with the tools you need to orient yourself in life, the universe, etc.
How do I go about getting a copy of the text? Do I post my email address?
Gary
Hi Gary
that'd be great! just message me with your email addy and i'll post you the chapter.
cheers
alan
Hi Alan
I'd be very interested in seeing your chapter 1.
I observe, ref Kuhn, the word “paradigm” seems to be growing in “respectability”. I recently briefly examined its use in a journal article I submitted on the interface between conspiracy theory and the New Age (we call it conspirituality). I'm also interested in Kuhn's idea of initiation and how his broader revolutionary structure applies to paradigm shifts within the individual (ref AAB and many others).
c