The PH'4-Systems were initially described in detail within Ch7 of Working with Values (download here). However, the 7 hierarchical elements of experience-PH4, as just presented, were then only listed briefly in passing.
This Principal Typology-PH'4 is nested within Identification-PH4L6 in the Primary Hierarchy of Experience, as shown in the diagram below.
The function of each of these 7 Types is, in principle, to govern the use of experiences-PH4 in the «best» possible way. In practice, this means mastering the fluidity of experiences by ensuring mental stabilization, including stabilizing the sense of self. Loosely speaking, it is about ensuring a background of self-control for everyday life. Its results are a way of existing and relating that you and others regard as 'normal' for you.
In stabilizing the mind/self, each method assigns primacy to its corresponding Level in the Primary Hierarchy.
The Methods are named:
Transpersonal existence-L'7 which gives primacy to imagination-L7.
Social existence-L'6 which gives primacy to identification-L6.
Relational existence-L'5 which gives primacy to intuition-L5.
Individual existence-L'4 which gives primacy to idea-L4.
Emotional existence-L'3 which gives primacy to emotion-L3.
Vital existence-L'2 which gives primacy to image-L2.
Sensory existence-L'1 which gives primacy to sensation-L1.
Now that the function of the PH'4-Typology for endeavour-RH and for experience-RL4 has been identified, it is necessary to review the previously published accounts of the Methods where that function was unknown.
In doing so, many small changes have been required. The result amounts to a re-orientation rather than a re-formulation, except in one case: Sensory existence-L'1.
For each Method, the main relevant extract from Ch.7 will be provided for comparison. The book was written in a different style and included notes and references which are not reproduced.
It is possible to gain a deeper appreciation of the Methods as a Framework by comparing them using a Typology Essences Table (TET).
The TET is a tool for plotting a THEE Typology in terms of the relevant field of psychosocial reality within which its Types must function. Such a display not only differentiates the Types further, it also illuminates their relationships and interactions as experienced in everyday life. In addition, it opens the door to developing other frameworks within the Principal Typology Complex.
► If you are not familiar with a THEETET, see this quick explanation.
A second review of the Methods is provided, together with new comparisons and further reflections emerging from both the re-orientation and the TET analysis.
Once the PH'4-Typology and TET are well understood, it becomes possible to complete the 4th Principal Typology Complex.
This task involves determination of the developmental Spiral (PH'4C), the Spiral-derived Tree (PH'4CK), the Spiral-derived Structural Hierarchy (PH'4CsH) , and the Spiral-derived Structural Hierarchy Tree (PH'4CsHK).
Investigations have commenced, but the completion and posting of these important frameworks lie some way in the future.
The First Step: Reorient the Typology
