Speculative Contrasts
Oscillating Duality
The oscillating duality refers to the polar contrasts found in THEE hierarchies between odd- and even-numbered levels in regard to a key property.
The correct form of the duality is not certain. However, I have identified the following possibilities:
- Quality: Some seem inherently fuzzy and diffuse, and others seem intrinsically capable of becoming definite and distinct: cf. an with an .
- Causation: sometimes seem to be generated from within and at other times from without, e.g. we may blame people for how we , but we do not usually assign blame for an .
- Uniqueness: sometimes appear to be personal, unique and idiosyncratic. At other times they seem to be inherently shared, similar or even identical. No two people have an identical or ; but others can easily form your , copy your , or share your .
- Error: Some experiences are incapable of error, e.g. if I have a burning , then I have it, and it cannot be wrong or false even if there is no evident stimulus. Other experiences may be regarded as wrong, e.g. I may have an and be uncertain whether it is correct or not, or an that I regard as false.
| L | Name | Oscillation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Imagination | Fuzzy & External | |
| 6 | Identification | Distinct & Internal | |
| 5 | Intuition | Fuzzy & External | |
| 4 | Idea | Distinct & Internal | |
| 3 | Emotion | Fuzzy & External | |
| 2 | Image | Distinct & Internal | |
| 1 | Sensation | Fuzzy & External |
Odd Levels
The odd-numbered Levels appear to be fuzzy, externally caused, with the entities unique to the person and feeling as if they cannot be wrong.
are naturally fuzzy because they are typically experienced as occurring along a continuum. For example: where does green end and blue begin? What exactly is loud? Sensations are felt to be externally generated by stimuli, and that includes something like stomach ache. Everyone has a different biology and so are unique. Sensations cannot be wrong, even if the conclusions drawn from them are mistaken.
are naturally fuzzy probably because, like , they are physiological phenomena. Emotions function as signals and are triggered by particular situations, so they are felt to be externally generated: it shows up in the blaming tendency. Even if emotions are contagious and often conventional, they define the most tangible sense of self: which means they are unique. Emotions are what they are and do not admit of correction. They are never regarded as wrong, even if others or even you, yourself, deem them inappropriate.
are naturally fuzzy because they represent a general sense of the situation that triggers them. Intuitions draw on past experience and develop via a web of associations. The relevant situation, even if it is a personal issue, is treated as an external cause. Intuitions seem to be wholly personal and so possess a uniqueness. They are developed immediately or with care over time and, once formed, it feels that they cannot be wrong. Even if facts render an intuition incorrect or misjudged, that may be difficult to accept as they are hard to ignore or alter.
is naturally fuzzy, and activated by events, information or situations. Its source is perceived to be external. Imagination is not dependent on personal history and can generate counter-intuitive possibilities. It appears to manifest a uniqueness whose origin is mysterious. The imagination may lead one in the wrong direction or produce fantastical results but, in itself, it cannot be wrong.
Even Levels
The even-numbered Levels appear to be distinct, internally caused, with the entities identical across people and feeling that they can be mistaken.
are naturally distinct, because visualization is about producing a specific experience or representing something particular for some purpose. (Inner images are not like photographic reproductions.) Images are internally created as an effort to represent. Others can make the same representation, and these are expected to be similar. An image can be mistaken and can be adjusted in the light of explanation or information.
are naturally distinct because they are used to enable clear thinking and support communication. As long as the idea is yours, you want a sharp focus to be able to hold it in mind. Even if the idea is suggested to you, you treat its mental presence as internally generated. Whatever idea you create, it is perfectly possible for someone else to have the identical idea. An idea can be mistaken and it can be altered through persuasion or if evidence is provided.
are naturally distinct, because they are paradigmatic models for personal development, learning or identity change. Identifying is an internal process based on personally selecting someone else or some paradigm. Many can possess identical identifications, even if the manifestations differ. Adolescents in a particular generation, for example, typically rebel and seek uniqueness in the same way. An identification can be mistaken through misunderstanding or lack of awareness, and then it may be corrected.
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Continue to the mental stabilization methods .
- See the taxonomic path from to the .
Originally posted: 24-Oct-2014. Last updated: 10-Dec-2014.
