Some of the terminology and reasoning in the Integral approach may be new to many visitors. We have listed the ideas we find most important below.

The four quadrants
Rather complicated to explain but very simple to use, the four quadrants help us conceptualize existence in a way that makes it easier to make Integral choices (see diagram to right). Based on the fact that all natural languages have first, second, and third person pronouns, the four quadrants demonstrate how all of existence has inner and outer, individual and collective aspects.

The four quadrants help us remember that there are always multiple sides to every issue. Many proposed solutions to global problems focus on only one quadrant; therefore they will always be less comprehensive and less effective than any that focuses on all four quadrants. With beautiful clarity, the four quadrants integrate eastern/western philosophy, science/religion, and thinking/acting in one single model. To see an example of how to apply the four-quadrant model, click here.

Levels and Lines
The Integral approach emphasizes human development across the life-cycle. All humans go through developmental change through various stages, or levels. Broadly, these levels can be outlined as egocentric, ethnocentric, and world-centric, although there are many developmental schemes, from Wilber’s to Aurobindo’s to Piaget’s. Moreover, development through these levels is not unitary, but instead multifaceted - we develop in many different lines; for example, cognitive, emotional, spiritual, or moral. Levels and lines provide a unique way to conceive of personal development ("Where am I in my moral development? Which lines do I need to work on?") as well as to approach problems ("What solution will serve people at all levels of development?").

States and Types
Even the most die-hard skeptic can’t deny that there are different states of consciousness-if he’s ever slept, he’s experienced all three basic states: waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. States also include ‘altered states’ such as drug induced highs as well as ‘peak experience’ states of spiritual awareness, sexual sublimity, or ‘flow.’ Types are also an essential part to an Integral approach. If you have ever noted the difference between men and women or introverts and extroverts, then you’ve been aware of types. Types refer to different ways of interacting with the world, from the masculine drive for agency and perspective to the feminine drive for communion and participation, as well as the more complicated types in the enneagram (an elaborated model of personality types). All types have access to all states, share the same lines, and develop through the same levels, even if they may do so in somewhat differing ways.

AQAL
‘All quadrants, all levels, all lines, all states, all types’ - An important abbreviation to refer to fully Integral solutions; i.e. solutions that reflect all quadrants of existence and all levels within all developmental lines, as well as addressing all states of consciousness and all types of being.

Spiral Dynamics
A very accessible, and thus commonly used model which describes the different stages of value and world-view development, devised by Don Beck and Christopher Cowan and based on the work of Clare Graves. Using color-coding to describe developmental levels within the values line, a somewhat complex system becomes easy to understand and remember. Through cooperation between Don Beck and Ken Wilber, this system has currently evolved into Spiral Dynamics Integral and thus also includes an awareness of other lines as well as quadrants, states, and types.

Core concepts

Meta-perspective
Having a meta-perspective could be explained as having the ability to see, think, and act from all four quadrants. It includes an increased awareness of context and frameworks instead of getting lost in the details, an awareness which facilitates accurate understanding and effective action. The Integral approach offers a much needed meta-perspective on human knowledge. By synthesizing large amounts of information and creating a general framework, an Integral approach provides us with unique possibilities to gain a truly comprehensive understanding of any situation.

This is perhaps particularly refreshing for those accustomed to the world of academia, where each scholar is meant to learn everything about a minutely specialized area, while knowing little or nothing about essentially connected areas. The Integral approach helps bring academic knowledge ‘down to Earth’ where it can be integrated into a larger whole that can actually serve to improve the world. It helps us take an overview stance, where what we know, need to know, and can actually benefit from knowing are realistically appraised.

You can also read our section about Transformative Communication - a meta-approach brought to you by Matrix Integral with highly pragmatic tools to understand and facilitate ‘any human activity in any human context.’

Importance of development
The Integral approach is one of the few modern arenas where ‘development’ is not a dirty word. An Integral picture of the world is one that is constantly changing and evolving, from lesser parts to greater wholes. More importantly to us, the Integral approach firmly posits that human beings are developing creatures who can reach ever-greater heights.

Emphasis on Consciousness
The Integral approach has much to offer to all disciplines, from sports to business to systems science. However, what we at Matrix Integral find most inspiring is the emphasis on consciousness, as it demonstrates how many of the solutions to the world’s problems lie not only in the outside world, but often more so inside each and every one of us. We believe in the notion that increasing consciousness, or ‘growth up the Spiral,’ is necessary to facilitate the emergence of a better world, and we are inspired by the fact that more and more people are opening their eyes to this challenging reality.

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