The Four Dimensions of Reality Under an Emerging Post Orthodox Integral Theory Idea

The Four Dimensions of Reality Under an Emerging Post Orthodox Integral Theory 
By
Giorgio Piacenza

To appreciate this evolving exploration on the nature of reality one needs to be acquainted with Ken Wilber's Integral Theory.

However this brief article also seeks to go beyond the current state of that theory. Moreover, it seeks to overcome the simplistic dichotomy of "physical" vs "metaphysical" whereupon "metaphysical" is simply understood as "non physical" or as "speculative" and "non real." In my view understanding the metaphysical in a more comprehensive way can help us to practice better physical and even inter realm science.

In traditional rational metaphysics discovering the principles that organize observable reality was considered very important and fundamental. With the success of manipulative forms of techne and science under the use of a strong either-or excluded middle logic, the search for essential principles was left behind. Nonetheless, as progress in the sciences and in theoretical frameworks continues beyond mutually exclusive views, an integration within a Meta Pattern begins to form. Objects of awareness may appear as mathematical proportions capable of defining the physical characteristics of a universe. Probabilities become actualities as we observe the quantum realm and dialectical paterns arising from thinking of opposites as complementary give equal importance to semingly incompatible ideas. Mind, matter, the one and the many became not just mutually exclusive but amenable to a higher form of integration.

Does "reality" consist of ideas, or of particles and matter. Perhaps of relations? If reality is one, how can it also be many? Is emergentism incompatible with emanationsism? By assigning these and other posits along axes defined by polar extremes and considering these extremes as mutually involved with each other, rather than as mutually exclusive, we may come to understand and Integral and Organicistic view suitable for a more inclusive Metaphysics.

I posit that the relation between realms of experience can be better understood not just in an experiential but in a rational and scientific way. I posit that "metaphysics" doesn't just refer to first principles of reality but to how these first principles relate with the Interior (mental, meaningful or qualitative) dimensions of reality and with the Exterior (physical, objective, quantitative) dimensions of reality.

Although I'm basically in favour of a pansychic view, in order to explore this view with greater definition, I'm trying to see previously incompatible metaphysical theories under a Meta Pattern. I'm also trying to consider a dialectical logic that brings more integrative distinctions between opposites such as "mind" and "matter." I'm somewhat influenced by the emanationism of Plotinus, by Poortman's idea of "vehicles of consciousness" and by the pre hispanic, Andean concept of the "three worlds" (Kay Pacha, Hanan Pacha and Uku Pacha) related under the principle of complementarity (Tinkuy, Yanantin and Masintin) and reciprocity (Ayni).

I'm trying to develop a balanced understanding between dialiectical logics or reasoning and the idea of using strong excluded middle "either-or" logic. The former may apply more to an organic, living and participatory understanding of reality and the former to the more concrete exterior patterns of reality

I also think that the possible meanings or interpretations behind the findings of quantum physics need to be incorporated as indicative of a relation between what Integral Theory calls the "three realms" and I think that this relation will help us to construct a model that doesn't just present what has been called "tetra meshing" or the simultaneous arising of the four dimensions of reality in each realm, but what could perhaps be considered as "causal" relations between these realms.

The four dimensions of reality seem to stem from the intrinsic dual or polar nature of "holons" which according to Arthur Koestler and to Ken Wilber's Integral Theory are wholes and parts simultaneously. I think that both polar relations and holons display apparent completeness and actual incompleteness and, for this reason, holons follow what have been called the "Twenty Tenets." They seek to include more of reality and are open to a cautious association with other holons. They also seek to preserve their integrity or to maintain their distinctiveness.

These four dimensions of reality (or actually of contingent, duality-based, phenomenological reality) seem to derive from a self evident reason: One can reasonably asset that the tensional and yet complementary nature of polar opposites are associated with asserting that one of the poles is real, that its opposite pole is real, that what subsumes polarity is real and that both poles are independently real. These distinctions generate four extreme positions and (at least) four intermediate positions with the central position acting as mediator and unifying connection with a non conceptual non duality core within it. We still need to use incomplete definitions knowing that they are incomplete: The non conceptual "principle" or non dual "way" of the Tao may be "behind" the "polar nature" of the Tao.

The four dimensions that poles generate may be associated with preferred kinds of logic and with the interplay between dialectical logics and strong excluded middle logics. In Integral Theory, they correlate with the "Interior" the "Exterior" the "Individual" and the "Collective" dimensions that form quadrants or, rather, qyadratic AREAS of expression where other elements of reality may express (stages of development, lines of development, states and types).

Supposedly, Integral quadrants arise when a level of multi systemic awareness has been reached but they seem to have arisen at least partially within the Andean model of the "Chakana." Other than the Andean model which is linked to the concepts of "Tinkuy" "Ayni" "Yanantin" and "Masintin," I also think that integral quadrants arose before Ken Wilber's momentous "eureka" moment (by mid 1990's) when he inductively observed a Meta Pattern in his home where he had physically grouped many theories and answers about the nature of reality. Archie J. Bahm. E.F. Schumacher Carl Jung and Wolfang Pauli seemed to have achieved similar insights: Complementary quadrants or, rather, quadratic models that are organized under similar principles underlying the rational dialectical view of polar opposites and holons; nonetheless, models which emphasize different concerns. This is why I'm linking to a previous (also evolving)article that sheds more light on these mutually reinforcing models which demonstrate a common organizing pattern. The article's title is "Other Integral Quadrants in History."

I think that whether in a new "Integral Age" of cognitive and participatory, co-creative understanding we can make progress on the "mind-body problem," on the physics of subtle realms, on the compatibility of opposing metaphysical positions, on re integrating first metaphysical principles with science, and on whether science and philosophy may integrate again under a grander and yet useful overarching conception relates with how the problem of duality is expanded to cover more of reality's complexity in a non exclusionary way.