Mode-3: Impartial Interpretations

ClosedReminder of the clarification process so far:

  • Mode-1: Produce a satisfying explanation of the situation. [Causal]
  • Mode-2: Develop a coherent framework for the situation. [Structural]

The mode of realizing refers to the set of values to be incorporated from a depiction method. Once incorporated, there is a new Stage of clarification that cumulates the values of all previous modes.

So Stage-2 clarification offered a plausible explanation within a coherent framework.

Interpret Underlying Polarities

The holistic model in Stage-2 provides an overview of the situation. It identifies key categories, but it lacks any life or relation to emotional preferences more generally. The framework can be brought to life by identifying emotion-driven factors that are likely to be present in situations in one form or another.

In many situations, these factors are obscured, hidden or denied. Their presence must be inferred or interpreted based on historical and present evidence combined with a knowledge of human nature.

At least three features of any situation are commonly polarized:

1. Us v Them or In-group v Out-group.
ClosedMore

2. Good v Evil or Right v Wrong.
ClosedMore

3. Self-determined v Milieu determined.
ClosedMore

These fundamental dimensions of psycho-social functioning shape situations. and their appearance will vary. In addition there may be situation-specific polarizations e.g. manual v automated, urban v rural, progress v stability, private v public.

The persistence of divisions reflects alternative narratives that carry credibility.

Example: ClosedFinancial Markets

Values & Assumptions

Stage-3-dualistic to bring life to the explanation of the situation.

Promoting Acceptability

ClosedEssence: Polarized Division

The situation will contain groups with opposing views about the nature and evolution of their situation. On closer inspection, deeper interests and beliefs are in play. Identification of deep polarizations can put events in perspective so that tensions and impasses that seemed unnecessary or puzzling now appear to be a manifestation of powerful enduring forces.

ClosedBenefit: Exposure of Disputes

Disputes and disagreements in a situation are often hidden and what is visible are delays, mistakes or breakdowns. Once tensions and polarization are recognized, conflicts can be brought into view and it becomes possible to see what is really going on. Clarifying disputes and their underlying drivers always affects practical choices in the situation.

ClosedMeans: Persistent Tensions

Tensions show as persistent avoidance or aggression, which generates a variety of problems. Investigation involves interpretation to reveal the presence of underlying irreconcilable viewpoints. Each side will argue the rationality of their position, but once it is evident that there are persisting irremovable opposing camps, that becomes the focus for realizing what is going on.

Handling the Group

ClosedParticipation: Accommodate Difference

When identifying polarization, it is necessary to provide for differences of opinion and allegiance by group members. The goal is for accounts to demonstrate (and the group as a whole to see) that divergent experiences and emotions are being recognized and taken seriously. The diametric opposition needs to be acknowledged so that coexistence and compromise can be appreciated.

ClosedCommunication: Speak Respectfully

Respectful communications are essential to reduce tensions and understand disputes. It is easy for any observer to have a preference for one side of the polarity and to speak about the alternative a hypercritical, dismissive or demeaning way. This will be taken personally by anyone identified with that pole. As a result, rather than generating clarification, arguments will emerge that obfuscate or attack the legitimacy of the underlying model.

ClosedIndividualization: Legitimize Divergence

The positive value of each pole of any duality that is emergent in the situations needs to be identified and promoted. It must be made clear that the various tensions and polarizations are to be expected and that sharply divergent perspectives with their own rationales can be legitimately maintained.

Channeling Your Functioning:

ClosedGain Support: Impartiality

Actively ensuring impartiality in presenting details of the situation, whatever your particular views, means actively keeping your biases under control. Impartiality is valuable because it evokes fairness, lends credibility and fosters trust. It shows respect for the audience by encouraging them to form their own opinions. In particular, it reduces the chance of your proposed framework account being rejected.



Limitations

The introduction of powerful social forces into the model represents a step-change in improving an explanation and clarifying the situation.

Review the example of financial markets.

However, no attention has yet been given to the functioning of model components, that is to say the specific factors and forces that drive the evolution of the situation.

Settling at this Stage

Recognizing the inherent polarizing tensions in the context of a coherent framework for the situation may provide sufficient clarity about the situation and its causes; or it may be judged impractical or even impossible to do more.

If this is the case, then there will be no felt need to seek further clarification.

Transition

However, dissatisfaction with the explanation as elaborated so far is common, because of a concern for how the situation reached that point and how it is likely to evolve.

In such cases, attention is required to develop a narrative; and that means becoming aware of the state of the components and their mutual influences.

The initial mode-1 satisfying explanation was subjectively generated to be plausible without excessive concern for complexities.

The next mode-2 coherent frameworkwas objectively developed in an effort to present the situation as an exemplar of a real-world class.

The current mode-3 impartial interpretation is subjectively appreciated using identification or sensitivity to interpret enduring forces in the situation.

The following mode-4 would therefore be expected to be objectively developed.

The mode that naturally provides for an objective account of the interactions and influences amongst situational components that enable evolution is the dynamic-μ4 (from L'1).

ClosedRuling Out Alternative Moves


Originally posted: 30-Oct-2024. Last amended: 30-Aug-2025.