Levels of Experience (PH4)
This abbreviated and preliminary account of the
is not essential to the main investigation of the . It is provided here because it is referred to in the material to follow and to provide a sense of completion in this Satellite.The Scientific Approach
L | PH4 Experience |
---|---|
7 | Open the Imagination |
6 | Integrate Identifications |
5 | Develop Intuitions |
4 | Embrace Ideas |
3 | Contain Emotions |
2 | Focus Images |
1 | Enable Sensations |
may seem impossibly complex, but all domains are bewilderingly complex before the simplifying power of scientific theory and classification is successfully brought to bear.
The taxonomic approach has enabled such a simplification. The
provides the elemental forms, and the will contribute additional forms made up of these elements. ( and are provisionally developed but not posted.)The capacity to investigate
scientifically depends on:1. the ability to have experience and focus on it;
&
2. the availability of shareable concepts which permit reliable and valid description.
In what follows, the elements or
in the are presented in terms of:■ presumed function and associated qualities
■ varieties
■ dynamic form i.e. the process within a Tree Centre.
■ relation to action
■ corresponding motivation.
L1-Sensation
is the form of experience embedded solely in the body and resulting from the direct interaction of the person and the external world. A discrete physical-physiological change is taken to correspond to a physical reality.
Function: To provide direct immediate interaction with the environment.
the measurement of psychological sensation cannot be separated from the measurement of the physical stimulus.
is conceptually distinguishable from the external event (or stimulus) producing it i.e. light (stimulus) is not coloured but we see it as coloured (sensation) in accord with its wavelength. In psychophysics, it is accepted thatmay lead to reflex action of a body-part e.g. pain reflex, corneal reflex.
Dynamic Form:
Sensing is intrinsic to . If however, is to be a deliberate part of any , then we must ensure it occurs. That requires action: mental (e.g. focusing attention) and physical (e.g. to hear: stopping talking, reducing noise, turning one's head, cupping the ear).
Motivation: Awareness i.e. noticing a may impel us to take action.
L2: Image
is an inner (i.e. mental) representation of . It includes , but in a form abstracted and removed from any spatio-temporal physical interaction. It can provide for continuity. So we can have or hold an in our mind: but we cannot see it in the way we see i.e. a physical object. While cannot be measured, it can be qualitatively reproduced.
Function: To provide an indirect or simulated interaction with the environment.
Memory fits this function.
, like memory is typically, but not solely, conceived as visual. However, it may be auditory or based on any form of in so far as representation is possible.All
are associative and generate other experiences.may lead to action in the form of habit or conditioned response. Action of this sort can proceed without emotion, thought or personal engagement.
Dynamic Form:
is about developing . If however, is to be a deliberate part of any , then the must be brought into focus. Getting clarity about relevant features requires inquiring in order to know what should be included in the .
Motivation: Intention i.e. surrounding a goal impel its pursuit.
L3: Emotion
, often called a «feeling», is a subjective experience with whole body physiological activation. It shows more organization and energy than or , and has unequivocal value (positive or negative).
As a result, it can direct our attention, motivate our behaviour, and determine the significance of what is going on around us.
therefore gives life to and . Either the outer world or inner higher level experiences can generate .Function: To provide a sense of self that is embodied and has value and energy.
It is generally assumed (and was proposed by Darwin) that animals have
(as well as and ). Neonates have them too.is associated with whole person behaviour or with a readiness or even urgency to act. Pure emotion-based action is an automatic reflex and undifferentiated. So, when a person is in the grip of intense emotion, he feels out of control and appears enslaved or in thrall. That is why are often equated to 'bombs'.
can be dismissed or denied mentally, but bodily evidence (facial temperature, sweat, muscle tensions, pupil dilation &c) cannot be so easily suppressed. Contagion of emotions is natural, especially if a person is open. So it also serves as a communicative tool for either senders or recipients.
Dynamic Form:
In relation to , the presence of indicates your self or sense of self is being affected, but that does not determine choices. Impulsive action, as distinct from spontaneity, is usually dangerous. So must be and prevented from causing disruption or harm. If released or communicated, are signals that alter a state of affairs for better or worse. There may be spontaneous or deliberate efforts to prevent or neutralize such change.
Motivation: Desire i.e. are tightly bound with wishes that impel towards gratification.
L4: Idea
is a generalization and abstraction from concrete experience. It implies awareness or reflection on and , and an inner articulation.
are typically considered verbal because they are confused with assigned and rigorous , both of which typically use words. However, an may be iconic. For example, children's spontaneous play with dolls suggests that they have ideas before they have words to express them.
Function: To provide focused effective impact for the self-experience.
permit discrimination. So they enable problem-solving and differentiated action. -driven action may proceed in a dispassionate and depersonalized way.
is associated with the emergence of a 'self' experience, because «the self»is an idea. possess a distance and disconnection from the body or self, which is not possible at lower levels. Unlike , may be owned or disowned, teased and shaped, managed or dismissed, all in a way that elemental experiences at lower levels cannot.
Dynamic Form:
depend on using experience so that they are properly held and available. IF an idea does not tap into your own experience, it remains lifeless and seems alien or wrong. You cannot use it properly. That is why extensive exposure to different walks of life, and wide reading that covers many diverse themes is so beneficial. A narrow life constricts mental functioning at this precise point.
Motivation: Interest i.e. specify what is both attractive and important, which impels us to become involved or to defend a position.
L5: Intuition
refers to an experience of the self in a context. It enables an awareness that inter-relates and inter-connects all lower levels of experience.
Most personal choices and activities in everyday life appears to be based on
. That is to say, our actions are not determined simply by logic or the facts, but by a complex automatic integration of associated and .Function: To provide an unpremeditated appreciation of a situation involving the self.
Counter-intuitive notions therefore depend on input from a higher level beyond the sense of self.
has a holistic personalized quality and many have noted that it is the form taken by the creative resolution of issues and dilemmas. Natural is unavoidably conditioned by past history and previous experiences i.e. it is not selfless or open to anything.Dynamic Form:
involves communicating to yourself about how things are overall. Because it is impractical to inquire into everything, or even into most things, necessarily depend on a holistic perception that only can provide. In we each effortlessly integrate factors like atmosphere, social attitudes, hidden agendas and other intangibles with what is self-evident, and also with past experience and current knowledge.
Motivation: Need i.e. is necessary to appreciate an absence that must be filled.
There is no further level of manifest or tangible , but reflection and psychodynamic researches suggest that there are two further in this .
L6: Identification
A person's experiences are enormously variable in their detailed manifestations. However, within any specific and significant sphere of psychosocial functioning,
can typically be seen to conform to some basic structure regardless of the issue. is a defined coherent structure built up from and regularly manifesting in each of us.Function: To organise and shape experiences that constitute a dimension of self.
We have numerous
, some better developed than others. These are the controllers that give definition and shape to many of our actual .A person's many
correspond to different aspects of their self and its functioning. These are each expressions of separateness and uniqueness.implies that a person is both what he is experiencing and also outside that experience. This enables reflection on actions, and a person can ask: 'is that me?' 'is that the sort of person I wish to be?' is therefore an approach or paradigm for action.
Dynamic Form: values and goals. Charismatic individuals may encourage others to identify, but seduction only occurs if there are common values pushing in that direction.
Motivation: Obligation i.e. is a structure which impels adherence because it specifies what is to be taken as right and it usually feels right.
L7: Imagination
Beyond the strictures of
lies a form of which is unbounded and undefined: the . As Einstein said: Logic takes you from A to B, imagination takes you everywhere. therefore provides potential and openness.Function: To provide an indefinite variety of experiences, including those beyond any current conception of what is real or practical.
is the infinite realm of experience where everything can be identical to everything else: even A = non-A, and part = whole. It is equivalent to Freud's unrepressed unconscious and the basis of dream-life. Note that, like , it can only manifest via the bottom .
is an energy-filled resource for action.
Dynamic Form:
involves willingness because it entails tolerating a move outside a personal zone of safety and comfort that is provided by logic, practicality, custom and habit. is the only way to generate counter-intuitive conclusions. But unexpected or undesirable intuitions, images and thoughts will not be entertained in consciousness unless you open a mental door and are ready to consider them.
Motivation: Inspiration i.e. imagination alone can lead to a feeling state or aura that uplifts, guides and impels.
Summary
This matrix includes speculations explained in the next Topic.
Better viewing: narrow or close left navigation column; use browser zoom if needed.
L | Structural Element |
Function | Dynamic | Veridicality | Quality
Trigger Status |
Contribution to Endeavour | Associated Motivation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7 | Imagination |
To provide an indefinite variety of experiences including the unreal and impractical. | Open
depends on |
Incapable of error | Fuzzy External Unique |
Provides creative and counter-intuitive options. | Inspiration |
6 | Identification |
To organise and shape experiences that constitute a dimension of self. | Integrate
depends on |
Can be mistaken | Definite Internal Identical |
Structures approaches to issues and action. | Obligation |
5 | Intuition | To provide an unpremeditated appreciation of a situation involving the self. | Develop
depends on |
Incapable of error | Fuzzy External Unique |
Ensures rapid sensitive responsiveness. | Need |
4 | Idea |
To provide focused effective impact for the self-experience. | Embrace
depends on |
Can be mistaken | Definite Internal Identical |
Determines discriminations and conceptions. | Interest |
3 | Emotion | To provide an embodied sense of self with value and energy. | Contain
depends on |
Incapable of error | Fuzzy External Unique |
Establishes a personal engagement | Desire |
2 | Image | To provide an indirect or simulated interaction with the environment. | Focus
depends on |
Can be mistaken | Definite Internal Identical |
Enables representations of past, present & future. | Intention |
1 | Sensation | To provide direct immediate interaction with the environment. | Enable
depends on |
Incapable of error | Fuzzy External Unique |
Provides biological grounding in the present instant. | Awareness |
This endeavour-based functional approach may seem strange
Name Confusions
Note: This material needs improvement, refinement, expansion and development. Further interesting properties deserve unpacking.
- Speculation about the oscillating duality.
- Distinguish mind, self, identity, existence.
- See the taxonomic path from to the .
Originally posted: 24-Oct-2014. Last updated: 10-Dec-2014.