44. Metamodernism and the Legacy of Integral Theory (w/ Bruce Alderman)
Jan 12, 2024
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Bruce Alderman, an Integral thinker, discusses the relationship between metamodernism and Integral Theory. They explore controversies around Ken Wilber's influence, the future of integral theory, and differences between metamodernism and integral theory. They also touch on the pressure to distance from integral/spirodynamics and the underlying structure of the metamodern conversation.
Metamodernism emphasizes empirical evidence and developmental theories, while Integral Theory encompasses a broader range of stages, including spirituality and higher consciousness.
Balancing developmental theory and empirical evidence is crucial for the credibility and impact of metamodernism as a theoretical framework.
While Integral Theory has value in a theological context, the distinction between theology and social science highlights the complexity of integrating spiritual and developmental theories into a comprehensive framework.
Deep dives
Differences between Metamodernism and Integral Theory
Metamodernism, as presented by Hansi Freinacht, offers a critique of what he calls 'stage stacking,' focusing more on developmental theories grounded in empirical evidence. The model aims to avoid higher stages of consciousness and spirituality, which are more speculative in nature. In contrast, Integral Theory, as developed by Ken Wilber, includes a broader range of stages, including enlightenment and deep spiritual focus. The differences between the two approaches extend to their overall theoretical frameworks and emphases. While Hansi's model concentrates on developmental theory within a neo-PyGML context, Integral Theory incorporates a meta-theory of everything, with a comprehensive perspective on spirituality and consciousness. These differences reflect various viewpoints on how to approach developmental thinking and exemplify the diversity within the Integral community.
Navigating the Challenges of Synthesizing Metamodernism
Synthesizing different strands of metamodernism, while attempting to maintain clarity and respect for various influences, can present challenges. Some critics argue that the synthesis neglects or distorts integral theory, while others question the inclusion of too much speculative content. The need to strike a balance between developmental theory and empirical evidence arises, and addressing these concerns is vital for the credibility and impact of metamodernism as a theoretical framework. It is important to acknowledge and credit the influences, such as Ken Wilber's integral theory, while also recognizing the innovations brought by Hansi Freinacht and other proponents of metamodernism.
The Role of Theology and Social Science
Integral theory is seen as having value in a theological context, offering a meta-theory that incorporates spirituality and higher stages of consciousness. However, as a social science or psychology, the theological component can be a limitation. This challenge is recognized within the integral community, where there is an ongoing effort to balance the theoretical contributions of integral theory with the need for empirical research and grounded analysis. The distinctions between theology and social science highlight the complexity of integrating spiritual and developmental theories into a comprehensive framework that is both rigorous and practical.
Interpreting the current state of integral theory
The podcast episode explores the current state of integral theory and its integration into academia. The speaker points out that there are several colleges and universities offering integral courses and dissertations in integral theory. However, the reception of integral theory within academic contexts can vary and depends on the specific context. Some perceive integration of integral ideas positively, whereas others may dismiss it as being excessive. The speaker notes that there has been substantial scholarly engagement with integral theory over the years, resulting in numerous books that apply integral principles to various fields such as economics, education, and healthcare. The conversation also highlights the need to consider the evolving nature of movements and paradigms, and whether it is necessary to let go of old frameworks to make way for the emergence of new ones.
Navigating the complexities of integral and metamodern discourse
The podcast episode delves into the challenges and tensions surrounding the discourse of integral and metamodern ideologies. The speaker addresses the issue of integral theory being closely associated with a particular individual, which can limit the flexibility and perception of the framework. They mention the emergence of metamodernism as a newer and more flexible concept that allows for greater freedom to evolve and adapt. The conversation touches on the distinction between integral and metamodern spirituality, particularly regarding the balance between secular and spiritual elements. The need for critical engagement with religious traditions, while incorporating modern and postmodern critiques, is emphasized. The discussion also examines concerns of woo-factor and the importance of distinguishing between mystical experiences and practices deemed excessive or irrational. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of cultivating meaningful dialogue and recognizing the potential for mutual learning and synthesis between integral and metamodern perspectives.
I'm joined by Integral thinker, theorist, teacher, writer, and community elder Bruce Alderman to talk about the ongoing love/hate relationship between metamodernism and Integral Theory, especially as the debate has been stirred up anew by the publication of my new book Metamodernism: Or, The Cultural Logic of Cultural Logics. Here we tackle some of the ongoing controversies that continue to swirl in some parts of the metamodern discourse, especially around the degree to which Ken Wilber and his formulation of the post-postmodern does/does not, should/should not inform our understanding of theories of the metamodern. Given the relationship that does exist, how do we best acknowledge and utilize it in pragmatic and integrous ways? How do we properly parse and distinguish these post-postmodern paradigms? What are the genuine fault lines and distinguishing characteristics of each framework, and what's just meme fluff?
0:00 Introduction (1:16, 3:30 Bruce card)
1:55 Bruce's Integral Context/Background
5:06 Brendan's Metamodern Context/Background
8:07 Did Hanzi Just Rip Off Wilber?
13:03 Did Hanzi Just Steal the Term "Metamodern" for an Integral Framework?
25:26 Has the Ship Sailed? Could Metamodernism Be the Future of Integral?
42:48 Did Brendan Just Excise/Ignore Wilber?
51:33 Does Metamodernism Offer a Workable Social Science Where Integral Doesn't?
1:01:03 The "Woo" Factor
1:14:15 Conclusion
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