Die ontwikkeling van die menslike bewussyn: Ken Wilber se AQAL-teorie

Abstract

The development of the human consciousness: Ken Wilber’s AQAL theory

Kenneth Earl Wilber III, an integral philosopher, psychologist and mystic with an intelligence quotient of 160, was born on 31 January 1949 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in the United States of America, and is considered by some as one of the most important philosophers of the 21st century. He developed his integral philosophy over 30 years, which can be divided into five phases. The most important aspects of his philosophy for the purposes of this article are the AQAL integral map of reality, and the evolution of consciousness. AQAL stands for ‘all quadrants, all levels, lines and stages’. Wilber divides reality into singular and plural interiors and exteriors; or art, morals and science. Also deriving ideas from Developmental Psychology, he sees the evolution of consciousness unfolding in seven stages: archaic, magic, mythic, rational, pluralistic, holistic and transpersonal. This theory could add value to pastoral care by enabling pastors to support believers’ own spiritual growth in pursuit of the kingdom of heaven.