Preview the Framework for Clarifying

Depiction Methods

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

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

The DUALISTIC assumes: tensions amongst a variety of factors
and depicts by: polarizing opposites.

The DYNAMIC assumes: components constantly influence each other
and depicts by: recognizing evolution.

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

The UNITARY assumes: an undifferentiated whole
and depicts by: requiring conformity.

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

For more, see the matrix summary.

The Trajectory in Brief

The natural sequence of Modes (value-sets) to be installed traces out a spiral trajectory when plotted on the PH'3-depiction TET. As the values at each Stage cumulate, clarity is progressively enhanced, until the explanation of what is going on is ultimately experienced as 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 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 what sustains progression of a situation.

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 appreciate progression.

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

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

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 degree of clarity may be 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 an 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 be very varied and minimal standards of judgement expected within the social group or culture may be violated.

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

But this 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 return to Mode-1 with an explanation that is now as powerfully endorsed as possible.

Cycle-2 is a process in which 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.

Now consider the process in more detail.

Originally posted: 30-Oct-2024.