Mode-3: Impartial Interpretations
Reminder 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 (μ) refers to the set of values to be incorporated from a depiction method. Once incorporated, there is a new Stage of clarification (Φ) that includes values of all previous modes.
So Stage-2 clarification (Φ2) offered a satisfying explanation using 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 the situation 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.
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Our existence is psychosocial and that means we associate in groups. These groups play a major part in our identity, our sense of safety, and our emotional comfort. Group values provide essential support for our activities of daily living. Every group has boundaries that enable recognition of other groups. The activities of other groups, even their mere presence, can generate a sense of threat to which we initially and often persistently react defensively or even antagonistically.
2. Good v Evil or Right v Wrong.
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Our goals and values are unavoidably morally shaped. Ethical beliefs based in doctrines and ultimate values sit at the top of the framework of purpose (PH6-L6&7), and we are enmeshed in the natural moral institutions (PH"4) that control us as social beings (PH'4L6). So all events, choices and activities are viewed through this inherently polarizing lens.
3. Self-determined v Milieu determined.
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Every situation may be addressed in terms of the interests and wishes of the particular individual(s) or group(s) involved. At the same time, situations include a milieu and this physical-social environment makes its own demands without concern for those interests and wishes.
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: Financial Markets
Investing and speculating in financial markets calls for clarity about their state. A simple causal view is that while market movement cannot be timed, exogenous factors can generate predictable consequences e.g. the gold price responds to inflation expectations, bond prices move inversely to equity prices, oil price depends on the supply/demand balance. These statements are plausible and sometimes true, but they can be shown to be untrue in any strict causal sense: see this account.
R.N. Elliot identified a fractal pattern in market prices, which was developed by Robert Prechter as the Elliott Wave Principle (EWP). EWP is a framework of rules and guidelines based on endogenous social mood swings. A structural analysis using this framework claims to determine the state of a financial market, and provides for timing reversals. So it enables prediction.
Elliotticians are impartial, and many seek more clarity about whether a market move is topping or bottoming than EWP based on prices alone can provide. They realize that volume is important too, and that any price assumes a buyer and a seller for each trade, with each side holding diametrically opposing views. They focus on this dualistic tension by using additional interpretative tools such as the RSI (Relative Strength Indicator) and MACD (Moving Average Convergence/Divergence) which indicate whether buying or selling is dominating and suggest when a price reversal is likely to be at hand.
Values & Assumptions
Promoting Acceptability
Essence: 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.
Benefit: 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.
Means: 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
Participation: 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.
Communication: 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 in 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 explanation being offered.
Individualization: Legitimize Divergence
The positive value of each pole of any duality that is emergent in the situation 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:
Gain 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.
THEE as an Example in Stage-3
If the modelling of purpose and a clear formulation of policy in Stage-2 does not lead to progress, more clarification can be provided.
In discussion with the Board members, there appeared to be a fundamental tension polarizing people when determining priorities. Some were highly emotional while others were strictly logical. The emotional selection of a priority was highly personal and focused, neglecting mundane but essential matters. In sharp contrast, the logical analyses of priorities took a comprehensive organizational perspective while neglecting specific sensitivities. In practice, either approach could be applied.
In other words, our Stage-2 psycho-social model of purpose must be modified slightly to show two legitimate forms of prioritizing that are in opposition to each other: emotional/personal v logical/social.
Interestingly, when this tension was applied to the strategic objective, it become evident that the personal-emotional and logical-organizational features could not be teased out separately: both applied simultaneously. If either were absent, then the strategic objective would not function properly.
While the framework for purpose had now become more complicated, it was also more realistic. Respect could then develop between those with differing psychological positions, and this fostered a more effective resolution.
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).
Ruling Out Alternative Moves
Moving to modes based on outer circle methods (Atomistic-L'2, Unitary-L7, Unified-L'5) still seems premature because there is not yet a fully developed explanation to consider and modify.
Originally posted: 30-Oct-2024. Last amended: 30-Aug-2025.
