Integral Theory is a comprehensive framework for understanding human development, consciousness, and reality. Developed by philosopher Ken Wilber, Integral Theory integrates insights from various fields, including psychology, spirituality, and science, to provide a more holistic and inclusive approach to understanding the human experience.

At the core of Integral Theory is the concept of developmental stages. According to Wilber and other Integral theorists, human development follows a predictable pattern of growth and change, with individuals moving through distinct stages of consciousness and awareness. Understanding these stages can be incredibly useful in many fields, including coaching, as it can help individuals identify their current level of development and work towards growth and transformation.

The Development Stages of Integral Theory:

Integral Theory posits that human development occurs along four dimensions: individual, collective, subjective, and objective. Each of these dimensions is composed of a series of stages that build on one another, moving from simple to complex, and from unconscious to conscious.

Individual Development:

Individual development refers to the growth and maturation of an individual human being. According to Integral Theory, there are four broad stages of individual development: egocentric, ethnocentric, worldcentric, and cosmocentric.

At the egocentric stage, individuals are primarily concerned with their own needs and desires. They see the world as a place where they must compete with others to get what they want, and they tend to be selfish and impulsive. This stage is common in young children and some adults who have not yet fully matured.

At the ethnocentric stage, individuals identify with a particular group, such as their family, tribe, or nation. They see the world as divided into us versus them, and they tend to be highly loyal to their group. This stage is common in many traditional societies and can be seen in some modern cultures as well.

At the worldcentric stage, individuals begin to identify with all of humanity, not just a particular group. They see the world as interconnected and interdependent, and they tend to be concerned with social justice and environmental sustainability. This stage is common in many modern societies and is often associated with liberal and progressive values.

At the cosmocentric stage, individuals see the world as part of a larger cosmic order. They tend to be spiritual and mystical in nature, and they often experience a sense of unity with all of creation. This stage is relatively rare in modern societies, but it has been an important part of many spiritual traditions throughout history.

Collective Development:

Collective development refers to the growth and maturation of groups, such as communities, organizations, and societies. According to Integral Theory, there are also four broad stages of collective development: archaic, magic, mythic, and rational.

At the archaic stage, groups are very simple and primitive. They tend to be focused on survival and basic needs, and they have very little structure or organization.

At the magic stage, groups begin to develop rituals and traditions. They see the world as full of mystery and wonder, and they believe that their rituals have real power to influence the world around them.

At the mythic stage, groups develop more complex belief systems, often centered around a particular religion or ideology. They see the world in terms of heroes and villains, and they tend to be highly hierarchical and authoritarian.

At the rational stage, groups become more rational and scientific in their thinking. They value logic and reason, and they tend to be more egalitarian and democratic in their social structures.

Subjective Development:

Subjective development refers to the growth and maturation of an individual's internal experience, such as their emotions, thoughts, and values. According to Integral Theory, there are three broad stages of subjective development:

pre-rational, rational, and trans-rational.

At the pre-rational stage, individuals are largely driven by their emotions and desires, without much rational thought or reflection. This stage is common in early childhood and in individuals who have not yet developed strong critical thinking skills.

At the rational stage, individuals begin to develop their capacity for rational thought and critical thinking. They can differentiate between fact and opinion and make decisions based on evidence and reason. This stage is common in modern societies and is associated with scientific and intellectual development.

At the trans-rational stage, individuals go beyond rational thought and begin to explore more intuitive and spiritual aspects of their experience. They may have mystical or transcendent experiences that defy rational explanation. This stage is relatively rare, but it is an important part of many spiritual and contemplative traditions.

Objective Development:

Objective development refers to the growth and maturation of the external world, including physical structures, technologies, and systems. According to Integral Theory, there are also four broad stages of objective development: pre-modern, modern, post-modern, and integral.

At the pre-modern stage, the external world is relatively simple and limited in scope. Most technology is focused on basic survival needs, and there is little differentiation between different fields of knowledge or expertise.

At the modern stage, the external world becomes much more complex and specialized. There is a strong emphasis on scientific knowledge and technology, and the world becomes increasingly interconnected through communication and transportation systems.

At the post-modern stage, the external world becomes more diverse and fragmented. There is a greater emphasis on cultural and social diversity, and there is a growing awareness of the limitations of scientific and technological progress.

At the integral stage, the external world is viewed as a complex, interconnected system that requires a holistic and integrated approach to understanding and addressing problems. This stage is still emerging, but it is seen as essential for addressing many of the complex and interconnected challenges facing the world today.

The applications and benefit of this “Metatheory” are practically infinite as Integral Theory offers a comprehensive and inclusive (or nonexlusive as it’s stated in IT) framework for understanding human development and the world around us. By understanding the stages of development in each dimension, we can gain insight into our own growth and transformation and work towards creating a more integrated and sustainable world.