Re: Intersubjective Reality LO2290

tim smith (timsmith@RedShift.Com)
Mon, 31 Jul 1995 22:36:04 +0000

Replying to LO2275 --

Doug writes:
snip

>I discovered that I had been framing the falsification position from a
>strictly objective scientific position. While railing against people
>imposing belief structures on me, I had been accepting a subtle, but very
>strong belief in the laws of physics and an "objective space-time" where
>they got played out, and where falsification could be done. I had been
>imposing this authority upon my reality, and hence not open to the
>possible truth of an intersubjective reality.

Yeah boy, ain't phenomenology grand! From Binswanger to Buddha the idea is
the same, man is the locus of meaning in the world. As such, how could we
have anything but an 'intersubjective' reality. In fact, if we got really
good at it, perhaps we could eliminate the dualisms all together, seeing
them as just conventions-useful in certain circumstances, but not 'real'.

If we could come to this understanding fully, think of the richness of the
dialogue to be developed from the various, non-exclusive points of view.
We could begin to develop our wisdom rather than our mere knowledge,
cutting through old patterns and routines, seeing our 'systems archetypes'
clearly and simply moving away from what does not promote more learning.
Definitive answers would be worthless, ambiguity the prize circumstance in
which all possibilities can manifest. The ego fear that so paralyzes us in
organizations might eventually empty as well,leaving us wisely childlike
(rather than childishly clever) and free, able to develop and implement our
potential in a supportive and creative environment.

>By honoring each participants contribution to such co-creation, not only
>are we contributing to an environment which encourages their empowerment,
>but in a very real manner taking our own personal power.

Anything less is simply the exercise of coercive control that relies on
our insecurity for its power. Reduce this insecurity (by honoring each
participant...etc) and we create openings in the seemingly solid walls of
'reality' through which the first rays of a greater reality may enter.
Like the denizens of the cave, we believe the shadows to be real. We take
the finger pointing at the moon for the moon itself.

--
Timothy Smith
Principal, Wheelwright Associates
Organization Transformation Consultants
timsmith@redshift.com