Ken Wilber developed the Four Spaces Model, also known as the AQAL model (All Quadrants, All Levels).
The model is used to understand human experiences and realities. It can provide a holistic insight into a situation and raise awareness by examining it from different angles.
The Four Spaces Model is two-dimensional:
These two dimensions, with two values each, are typically shown on a chart. As a result, we receive four quadrants called spaces in Wilber's model.
The basic design of Wilber’s Four Spaces Model
The Individual-Interior space represents the inner world of an individual. A focus is put on thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences. It is about what is happening inside us, such as our psychological state and consciousness.
This space is about the external, observable aspects of an individual. It covers biological and physical behaviors. It deals with how an individual acts in the physical world. The actions are measurable by science and empirical methods.
Collective-Interior is about the "we" space, the inner world of groups or collectives. It includes shared values, culture, and meanings within a society or community.
The collective-exterior space examines groups' external, systemic aspects. It encompasses the structures and systems that organize collective behavior in societies.
Aspects of each of the four spaces
Wilber's model suggests that to understand any aspect of life or reality fully, one must consider all four spaces, as they are interconnected and influence each other. This holistic approach aims to integrate different fields of knowledge and perspectives, providing a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues.