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Get Full Access For $1 (30 days)* Or explore all membership plans → * Trial price for the first 30 days, then $20/month. Cancel or switch plans in 2 minutes at any time.In this enlightening episode of The Ken Show, hosts Ken Wilber and Corey deVos embark on a profound journey through the multifaceted realms of systems theory, communication, and social evolution. They dissect the nuanced perspectives of “inside” and “outside” views in systems, delve into the transformative power of communication paradigms throughout history, and critically examine the influence of social media on the overall emergence of integral consciousness. The conversation ends with a powerful discussion on the symbiotic relationship between personal transformation and social transformation, advocating for a holistic approach to finding radical wholeness in an increasingly fragmented world. This dialogue serves as a beacon for those navigating the complex interdependencies of self, society, and the emerging global community.
Context Visualizations
The Evolution of Communication Paradigms
Corey’s map of the evolution of communications paradigms over history, taking a look at the most significant translative and transformative technologies at each stage, how those technologies determine the generation, preservation, and distribution of knowledge, and how they shape our individual perceptions and behaviors, as well as our collective sense of meaning and shared discourse.
Introducing the 8 Zones
A map introducing the 8 Zones of Ken Wilber’s Integral Methodological Pluralism, describing the eight kinds of phenomenological experience available to human beings. Each of these zones represents a unique horizon of consciousness, determining the kinds and qualities of reality that we experience.
Part 1: Introduction – Finding Radical Wholeness
The episode begins with a profound contemplation on the quest for radical wholeness, setting the tone for a deep dive into integral theory. Ken shares some details about his latest book, Finding Radical Wholeness, and the importance of embracing a holistic perspective that acknowledges the interconnectedness of all aspects of life, from individual consciousness to societal structures.
Part 2: Two Kinds of Systems Theory
In this segment, Ken Wilber explores the 8 zones of integral metatheory to articulate the distinction between the “inside view” and “outside view” within systems theory. The “inside view” refers to the subjective dynamics of members within a system, encompassing the internal relationships and dynamics that are felt and lived by groups of individuals. In contrast, the “outside view” is an objective analysis of the system from an external vantage point, focusing on how the system operates as a whole and interacts with other systems.
Part 3: Base and Superstructure in Diplomacy
The conversation explores the Marxist concept of base and superstructure, first explored in Ken’s essay, Revolutionary Social Transformation, applying these ideas to the Israel/Palestine conflict and the realm of diplomacy as a whole. The hosts discuss how economic and technological foundations (the base) shape and are shaped by the cultural and political superstructures, influencing international relations and global cooperation.
Part 4: The Evolution of Communication
Corey presents an engaging overview of the historical evolution of communication paradigms and their impact on human development (click the link to see the full map). From the emergence of language to the digital revolution, each shift in communication technology has profoundly affected how societies develop and interact, as well as how individuals perceive and interpret their reality.
Part 5: Integral in the Social Media Age
Here Ken and Corey explore the unique challenges social media has presented as a platform for the emergence of integral consciousness, especially its inherent resistance to big-picture views and greater social cohesion. Ken and Corey consider the potential of social media to both hinder and advance the development of a more integrated, aware, and cohesive global community.
Part 6: Personal and Social Transformation
The final segment of the episode emphasizes the importance of integrating personal growth with societal development. Ken and Corey argue that meaningful change requires a concerted effort that addresses both the inner transformation of individuals and the evolution of social systems and structures.
Key Questions:
Here are some questions you can contemplate while listening to this discussion. We suggest you take some time to use these as journaling prompts.
- Personal vs. Social Transformation: How do I understand the differences between personal transformation and social transformation, and why are both important? How can I work to bring them together in my own life and community?
- Information and Perception: In what ways have I internalized the communication paradigms of my own era, and how might they be limiting or expanding my perception of reality? How can I become more conscious of the ways in which the current communication systems influence my interior perceptions, interpretations, and sense-making processes?
- The Responsibility of Co-Creation: In what ways am I co-creating the environment I perceive, and how does this give me a role and power in the world I inhabit? How can understanding this relationship between personal enactment and the co-creation of the world help me contribute more effectively to social transformation?
- Integral Complexity: How can I embrace the complexity of integral theory while still appreciating the simplicity of direct perception? How does this complexity help me to navigate and understand the various dimensions of reality?
- Quadrants and Polarities: How do the core polarities of integral theory, such as individual vs. collective and interior vs. exterior, manifest in my life? How can identifying and integrating these polarities enhance my understanding of various situations and challenges?
- Phenomenological Richness: How can I bring more awareness to the nearly 10,000 phenomenological experiences available to me? How might this awareness change my perception of everyday objects, social issues, or even concepts like enlightenment?
- Impact of Technology: In what ways is my use of technology, such as social media, training me to forget my body and become out of touch with my sensory world? How can I counteract this tendency and integrate my physical experience with my digital interactions?
- Information and Perception: In what ways have I internalized the communication paradigms of my own era, and how might they be limiting or expanding my perception of reality? How can I become more conscious of the ways in which the current communication systems influence my interior perceptions, interpretations, and sense-making processes?
- Subject to Algorithms: How might the algorithms that govern my information feeds on social media be affecting my worldview and my ability to perceive reality beyond the digital echo chambers? In what ways can I, as a consumer and potential creator of content, contribute to a more nuanced and integral use of social media platforms?
Related Polarities
Here are some of the most critical polarities to consider while listening to this broadcast.
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Produced by Corey deVos
Previous Episodes of The Ken Show
About Ken Wilber
Ken Wilber is a preeminent scholar of the Integral stage of human development. He is an internationally acknowledged leader, founder of Integral Institute, and co-founder of Integral Life. Ken is the originator of arguably the first truly comprehensive or integrative world philosophy, aptly named “Integral Theory”.
About Corey deVos
Corey W. deVos is Editor-in-Chief of Integral Life, as well as Managing Editor of KenWilber.com. He has worked for Integral Institute/Integal Life since Spring of 2003, and has been a student of integral theory and practice since 1996. Corey is also a professional woodworker, and many of his artworks can be found in his VisionLogix art gallery.