A brief history of Spiral Dynamics

Authors

• Albion Butters University of Turku

DOI: https://doi.org/10.30664/ar.67574

Keywords:

Wilber, Ken, Spirituality, Psychology and religion, Philosophy and religion, Philosophy, American, Systems (Philosophy), Systems theory, Evolution, Human development, Politics and religion

Abstract

For nearly two decades, the theory of Spiral Dynamics has been used to dynamically model human evolution and information systems. In that time, however, many different versions and applications of the model have emerged. This article will diachronically trace the history of Spiral Dynamics, from the foundational theory of Clare Graves to its initial introduction by Don Beck and Chris Cowan and subsequent adaptation by Ken Wilber. A brief exploration of the various camps and their competing interpretations of Spiral Dynamics will permit some critical analysis of the model itself.