In Integral Theory (by Ken Wilber), reality can be analyzed along two axes:
- Interior ↔︎ Exterior (horizontal axis)
- Individual ↔︎ Collective (vertical axis)
Here is the schema:
Elaboration
- Subjective: This quadrant is about the subjective, internal experience of the individual. It includes feelings, thoughts, beliefs, mindset, and consciousness. It’s the realm of psychology and introspection.
- Objective: This quadrant focuses on the objective, external aspects of individual existence. It includes the physical body, brain, observable behaviors, and objects. It’s the realm of the empirical natural sciences such as physics and biology.
- Intersubjective: This quadrant represents the interior group dynamics, like relationships, shared values, and collective meanings. It encompasses the intersubjective aspects of reality, such as ethics, culture, and group spirituality.
- Interobjective: This quadrant is about the external, objective systems and structures that govern collective behavior. This includes economic systems, government, and social structures. It’s the realm of sociology and systems theory.
Example
As an example, let’s take the marriage of a specific couple, a man and a woman. Each of the quadrants pertains to a different aspect of this relationship:
- The Interior Individual: The individual thoughts, feelings, and psychological dynamics of each person in the relationship.
- The Exterior Individual: The observable behavior of each individual, their physical interactions, and any biological factors influencing their relationship (e.g. genetic factors for their offspring).
- The Interior Collective: The shared values, understandings, emotional intimacy, and the interpersonal dynamics that the couple experiences.
- The Exterior Collective: Societal, legal, and cultural structures that influence or are influenced by the relationship (e.g. state laws that specify how the couple can or must submit a joint tax return).