Saturday, February 26, 2011

Integral postmetaphysical enaction

It is with much ado that I change the name of my blog to “integral postmetaphysical enaction.” The term nonduality is too limited and too attached to certain metaphysical schools of philosophy and religion. Yes, I can recontextualize the term, make it mean whatever I want, but the weight of its historical association is more than my miniscule influence can overcome. On the other hand the term enaction is within the historical context of recent developments in cognitive science yet applicable to all methodologies across the spectrum. Plus it specifically denotes the kind of nonduality in which I'm interested through continuity, both within an individual and between an individual with others and the environment. In AQALese, the integrated and inseparable relations between the one and the many, the inside and the outside. And all within a postmetaphysical, developmental trajectory that dynamically enacts a worldspace, not discovers a universal, given world. It also demonstrates the relation of action and theory, for it is my hope to inspire action in those who read these theoretical ramblings.

Here is a good working definition of enaction from Enaction School 2010:

“The term enactive is used to identify a way of thinking about, and a set of methodologies for conducting, cognitive science. This approach to describing, explaining and investigating the mind emphasises the valued, meaningful interaction between a living agent and its environment. It emphasises the continuity between the basic processes of living (e.g. metabolism) and cognition. It recognises the autonomy of living systems and the way in which meaning, thought and experience emerge within the dynamic, skilful activity of the agent - the enaction of meaning, thought and experience.

“Standing in contrast to much of mainstream thinking within Cognitive Science, the enactive approach challenges many of the basic assumptions of extant theory. The body (including but not limited to the brain) is considered to have an integral role in the processes of the mind. Cognitive processes are seen as the means by which an agent adapts their behavior so as to maintain their values (in the simplest case, biological values such as continued existence but in more complex cases, social and cultural values come into play). The nature of such processes is considered to be dynamic and adaptive, rather than a set of structures that are universal and modular in character.”

5 comments:

  1. it was a good choice Edward - it opens so many possibilities...

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  2. Thanks, I think so too. Good to see someone is reading on occasion.

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  3. I like the change, too, Edward. I used a similar combination of words in my Kingdom Come paper, talking about an integral, post-metaphysical, enactive spirituality. Your project here is broader than 'spirituality,' though, so making 'enaction' the central theme seems very appropriate. I also find the rhyming of 'enaction' with 'in action' suggestive and inviting.

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  4. Thanks buddy. Yes, I had the rhyme of "in action" in mind when I chose it.

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  5. I read every single post Edward. Your thoughts resonate deeply with my own post-integral speculations.

    All the best,

    m-

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