Integral theory

This article may rely excessively on sources too closely associated with the subject, potentially preventing the article from being verifiable and neutral. Please help improve it by replacing them with more appropriate citations to reliable, independent, third-party sources. (May 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Integral theory as developed by Ken Wilber is a synthetic metatheory aiming to unify a broad spectrum of Western theories and models and Eastern meditative traditions within a singular conceptual framework. The original basis, which dates to the 1970s, is the concept of a "spectrum of consciousness"^[1] that ranges from archaic consciousness to the highest form of spiritual consciousness, depicting it as an evolutionary developmental model.^[2] This model incorporates stages of development as described in structural developmental stage theories, as well as eastern meditative traditions and models of spiritual growth, and a variety of psychic and supernatural experiences.

In the advancement of his framework, Wilber introduced the AQAL (All Quadrants All Levels) model in 1995,^[3] which further expanded the theory through a four-quadrant grid (interior-exterior and individual-collective). This grid integrates theories and ideas detailing the individual's psychological and spiritual development, collective shifts in consciousness, and levels or holons in neurological functioning and societal organization. Integral theory aims to be a universal metatheory in which all academic disciplines, forms of knowledge, and experiences cohesively align.^[2]

As per 2010, integral theory had found its primary audience within certain subcultures, with only limited engagement from the broader academic community,^[4] though a number of dissertations have used integral theories as their theoretical foundation, in addition to ca. 150 publications on the topic.^[5] The Integral Institute published the Journal of Integral Theory and Practice,^[6] and SUNY Press has published twelve books under the "SUNY series in Integral Theory"^[7] in the early 2010s, and a number of texts applying integral theory to various topics have been released by other publishers.