In Ken Wilber‘s integral theory the concept of quadrants is central (the AQ stands for all quadrants). The quadrants represent 4 essential dimensions of every thing, including each of us. We each have an interior and an exterior (a subjective and an objective dimension) and exist both as a whole in ourselves and as a part of a greater whole (we are holons, or whole-parts). These two axes in concert give us the four quadrants, the “subjective, intersubjective, objective, and interobjective.”.

These simple distinctions allow for a lot of clarity in understanding our world and the various ways of thinking about it. The four dimensions disclose four primary perspectives that are at play in every discipline from physics to sociology, meditation to systems theory. If we leave out any one quadrant we are thinking partially and neglecting an essential and irreducible facet of our lives.

To learn more about the four quadrants, read on at Holons‘ “What are the Four Quadrants?”