Preview the Framework for Clarification

Depiction Methods

The CAUSAL assumes: multiplicity of components
and depicts by: seeing causal connections to enable predictions.

The STRUCTURAL assumes: a structure determines functioning
and depicts by: specifying and ordering components in a framework.

The DUALISTIC assumes: tensions amongst a variety of factors
and depicts by: setting up binary divisions that polarize into opposing sides.

The DYNAMIC assumes: components constantly influence each other
and depicts by: recognizing potentials for cooperating to evolve.

The ATOMISTIC assumes: individual autonomy and responsibility
and depicts by: respecting boundaries and coexistence.

The UNITARY assumes: an undifferentiated whole
and depicts by: dominating to produce conformity.

The UNIFIED assumes: co-evolution with an environment
and depicts by: including contexts in a system of systems.

For more, see the matrix summaries.

The Trajectory in Brief

Values in the depiction methods-PH'3 lead to specification of clarity modes. The natural sequence of installed modes traces out a spiral trajectory when plotted on the PH'3-depiction TET. As the mode values at each Stage cumulate, clarity is progressively enhanced, until the explanation of what is going on is ultimately experienced as appropriately and acceptably fitting the situation.

Clariication starts in the Causal Mode with a simple explanation of the salient factors on which all are agreed.

However, it soon becomes evident that such an explanation does not provide sufficient clarification. It caters best to those who are easily satisfied, or who are unlikely to be affected by the situation, or who just refuse to allow themselves to become interested and involved.

Those who are involved are likely to become dissatisfied with an explanation that has little backing and often appears to be the confirmation of a bias or a convenient rationalization. The desire and challenge to get more clarity is what drives development around the Spiral.

The various transitions and their primary instigators are shown in the diagram and then briefly explained below.

Spiral trajectory for increasing clarity in regard to a situation.

Stages 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 enable an increasing grasp of the situation and its likely progression.

Stage 1:   The first step is to offer a simple explanation focused on salient features of the situation remarked upon by all. Such a consensus is found in the Causal Mode.

But a listing of features does not resolve puzzles about how matters hang together and is rarely sufficient to satisfy as an account of the likely progression of the situation.

In Stage-2, values from the Structural Mode enable the use of categories to form a schema which provides a holistic overview of how the situation functions.

But, such a depiction is static and fails to integrate underlying universal human tensions shaping any effort at clarity.

So in Stage-3, values from the Dualistic Mode enable disputes, conflicts and continuing opposition to be conceptualized and integrated.

But, as there is no provision for interactions among all involved in the situation, there is no appreciation of what has driven and is driving the situation.

So in Stage-4, values of the Dynamic Mode enable an understanding of the evolutionary process in play.

At this point, there is a sense of closure and the original «satisfying» explanation has been developed so that it may be deemed «sufficient».

Cycle-1 starts clarifying with a satisfying explanation in the Causal Mode-μ1 and then progressively incorporates essentials of the situation to conclude by spontaneously re-entering that Mode-μ1 with a sufficient explanation. This Cycle engages group-oriented modes, and the resulting clarification may be judged sufficient if there is no serious disagreement. If there is, then Cycle-2 needs to be activated with a greater focus on personal acceptability.


Stages 4(1) → 5 → 6 → 7 provide greater personal acceptance of the explanation.

In Stage-5, values of the Atomistic Mode mean that each person must be respected and persuaded to internalize the explanation so as to see that it is appropriate and required.

But personal judgements can vary greatly and may violate the minimal standards of judgement expected within the social group or culture.

So in Stage-6, values of the Unitary Mode enable an established powerful system of standards to be brought into play. These standards both provide perspective and force some re-thinking. In this way, social pressures for conformity limit personal idiosyncrasy.

But compliance with these standards does not take into account specific contextual features that are felt to be of over-riding significance in the moment.

So in Stage-7, values of the Unified Mode enable the explanation to be adjusted sensibly to fit the particular context. Without that fit, many will persist in resisting the explanation.

Having reached this point, there is no further mode of clarification and there is a spontaneous return to Mode-1 with a fully endorsed explanation that is now not merely «sufficient» but «powerful».

The explanation of the situation is now taken to be fully clarified, and anyone who acts on that basis is socially supported regardless of the consequences.

Cycle-2 is a process in which the need for everyone's acceptance of the «sufficient explanation» comes to the fore. Cycle-2 activates all involved, initially by respecting and responding to their personal autonomy, then by respecting and imposing formal-social standards, and finally by respecting and adapting to the relevant context. This fuller clarification means that on re-entering the Causal Mode-μ1, the explanation is powerful enough to enable those involved to deal with the situation without fear of criticism.

Now consider the process in more detail.

Originally posted: 30-Oct-2024. Last amended: 20-Apr-2025.