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Embodiment of values in interweaving cycles


Freedom, Democracy, Justice: Isolated Nouns or Interwoven Verbs? (Part #15)


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As explored with respect to "pillars", a step beyond isolated values (even as a set of "pillars") is to consider how the "pillars" might be configured in three dimensions to form polyhedra -- implying a coherent system of some kind (In Quest of a Strategic Pattern Language: a new architecture of values, 2008). Following from the work of Fuller, a relevant feature of this possibility is that spherically symmetrical polyhedra are embedded in interlocking cycles which effectively define them.

This is suggestive of the relationship of values to forms of psychosocial organization relying on the integrative function of the circle (Engaging with Globality through Cognitive Circlets, 2009; Spherical configuration of interlocking roundtables: Internet enhancement of global self-organization through patterns of dialogue, 1998). Such circular organization implies the emergence of value through its dynamic. The circle might be said to engender or evoke value.

In such a context of more complex configurations of vales, the psychology of engagement is potentially of great significance (Topology of Valuing: dynamics of collective engagement with polyhedral value configurations, 2008; Dynamic Exploration of Value Configurations Polyhedral animation of conventional value frameworks, 2008). Also of potential importance is the ability to transcend polarized dynamics through alternation (Embodying Values Dynamically through Alternation: Integrating sets of polarized static values through indicative metaphor, 2008).

The opportunity may be reframed with the use of a weaving metaphor (Interweaving Thematic Threads and Learning Pathways, 2010). How might democracy, justice and freedom interweave as verbs:

  • systemically?
  • operationally?
  • comprehensibly?
  • mnemonically?
  • symbolically?
Indicative 3-fold interweaving
using a traditional symbol (as separately discussed)

What other values are important if not vital to an attractive. sustainable value "weave" -- as suggested by the addition of solidarity below? Can the result be fruitfully portrayed as a "tapestry" of value dynamics in which particular values dominate under certain conditions, as might be tentatively suggested by the following?

Relationship between dominant and repressed values
    Dominant values
Repressed values freedom democracy justice solidarity
liberty freedom x repression constrained collective constraint
on individual action
equality democracy anarchy x inhibited dynamics repressed
expression
justice lynch mob discrimination
against minorities
x redistribution
fraternity solidarity selfishness
(NIMBY)
partisan politics inequality x

Interweaving values in this way suggests the possibilities of a form of "magic carpet" of values -- capable of transporting in new ways (Magic Carpets as Psychoactive Systems Diagrams, 2010). Like "magic carpets", the key to the transportation potential of values lies in how they are interwoven -- and how that is appreciated. This use of "weaving" as a metaphor needs however to be understood as emphasizing the continuing process rather than a completed product.

Exercises in mapping the transformational relationships between 64 dynamic conditions
in the Chinese I Ching (The Book of Changes), considered here as indicative of "values as verbs"
(screenshots of svg animations, without and with pathways, and with same mouseover label showing)
Mapping the transformational relationships between 64 dynamic conditions in the Chinese I Ching Mapping the transformational relationships between 64 dynamic conditions in the Chinese I Ching
The 64 "values" interrelated here are the subject of detailed commentary in Transformation Metaphors derived experimentally from the Chinese Book of Changes (I Ching) for sustainable dialogue, vision, conferencing, policy, network, community and lifestyle (1997).

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