INTEGRATED THOUGHT PROCESSES

INTEGRATION AS A SYSTEM OF THOUGHT

I use integration differently than the traditional and familiar concept. Of the traditional definitions, the following is the closest to my thinking. "Integration is the process of forming, coordinating, or blending into a functioning whole." Unfortunately constructing a system that extends linear patterns in familiar but usually non verbalized ways requires some new language. The definition starts to sound a little too philosophical, but everyone uses basic integration patterns daily without even being aware of it.

The definition and the totally open information integration system I use is from a system I have been working on since about 1960.
Integration is the act of recognizing or creating ensemble relationships between a network of entities or the corresponding concepts.
Also the totally open information storage and retrieval system developed around the above definition.

Linear patterns of thought facilitate unfairness in many semi-invisible ways. This undermines the idea of Temenos in communications and other interactions. Fairness requires minimizing hidden agendas and unintended consequences. Integrated patterns of thought minimize these and many other mental traps.

Patterns of integration are extensions of thousands of tools we all learn in school. We are naturally good at using many of these tools. The trick is to recognize these natural things we are told we can't do but sometimes do anyway. Integration is a system for leveraging our mental capacities. Integration is a way of leveraging everything. It is also a system for leveraging the mental leverage obtained from use of integration tools.

I call these patterns of leverage 'integration tools.' There are thousands of these tools, however, there are some that are universally applicable and quickly overcome the assumed extra work necessary to learn to use them. Like reading, learn once, and leverage the capacity of your mind for the rest of your life.

There are four tools that begin to show the value of leverage in integration and gradually demonstrate how patterns of integration may be integrated to achieve even more leverage. Not coincidentally, creative thinkers are creative in part because they have not suppressed their natural tendency to integrate as much as others. It is almost a foregone conclusion that as you learn to integrate by establishing mental sets you will become more creative.

The four first tools that I will explore are:

1. "Thinking in Principle"
2. "Ensembles"
3. "The Art of Questioning"
4. "The Byler Ratchet"

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