Oscillating Truth Quality

THEE Note

All THEEhierarchies show an oscillating duality in which the odd Levels and even Levels take up polar opposite positions on some essential aspect of the phenomenon. This oscillation ensures that the Levels exhibit sharp disjunctions and do not merge diffusely into each other.

There does appear to be an odd-even duality that may be labeled:
intrinsic vs extrinsic:

• Odd levels can be labeled intrinsic, meaning the work-focus is given or
  revealed by the institution.
• Even levels can be labeled extrinsic, meaning the work-focus is imposed
  on or assumed about the institution.

L1 Interests are intrinsic: because they flow from a shared experience of human needs around which the institution forms.

L2 Remedies are extrinsic: being imposed on the institution as it appears to be functioning to a particular person or group or from a particular perspective.

L3 Analyses are intrinsic: because they involve investigation of current functioning of the institution and obtaining relevant information.

L4 Narratives are extrinsic:  being imposed on the situation to simplify its inherent complexity and gain support for political choices.

L5 Statistics are intrinsic: because they are measures and accounts from within the institution about its functioning and structures.

L6 Perspectives are extrinsic: being about factional conceptions imposed on institutional issues and diverse approaches to development.

L7 Transparency is intrinsic: because it refers to publicizing some aspect of the functioning of the institution.

This duality generates an apparent oscillation in regard to the truth quality of communications:

Intrinsic levels need transparency and seek truth.
Extrinsic levels are superficial and ready to manipulate what is known.

ODD: 

L1-interests are inherently genuine.
L3-issues are developed with a concern for validity.
L5-statistics are expected to be accurate and valid.
L7-transparency uses compulsion to get to the truth.

EVEN:

L2-remedies may be convenient, self-serving and avoid known complexity.
L4-narratives seek popular support and often protect the powerful.
L6-perspectives are held as a matter of committed or expedient belief.

It is perhaps not surprising, the intrinsic-odd levels turn out to be complicated and difficult to comprehend or master, while the extrinsic-even levels are simplified, obvious, and lend themselves to repetition and slogans.

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Continue to check for validation:

• Analyse the quadrant layout.

Originally posted: 19-Nov-2022. Latest update: 30-Jun-2023.