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               %THEORY OF INTEGRITY AND REFLEXIVITY 861106

     Integration of persons and communities is facilitated
by a coherent theory of integrity which brings together in
a  coherent way theories of objectivity  and  theories  of
reflexivity as regards  the nature, nurture, and knowledge
of  both  objective  and  subjective  relationships  which
entail people of integrity.   Such a theory must itself be
coherent, have integrity, if it is to promote integrity.

     Integrity is promoted through dialogue which promotes
further  dialogue.   Not all interactions promote  further
dialogue;  some  interactions  are  alienative through the
generation  of  fear,   frustration,   anger,   rebellion,
resentment, violence, misunderstanding,   etc. Integration
and integrity are undermined  by beliefs that instrumental
values are ultimate values which should be served  by  the
sacrifice  of  opportunities  for  and motivations  toward
dialogue.    The  essence   of   such  sacrifices  is  the
inhibition  of  integration  and  the undermining of  both
personal  and communal integrity.   The essence of Love is
the  promotion  of integration  and  the support  of  both
personal and communal integrity.

     A compulsive concern with objectivity,  in the belief
that  it  eliminates  bias,  is  likely  to  lead  to  the
objectification  and alienation of people.   A  theory  of
knowledge  which  places  ultimate  trust  upon  objective
perceptions, and no trust upon subjective perceptions,  is
a  theory regarding the nature,  nurture and  knowledge of
relationships  which undermines integrity.   It is  not  a
coherent  theory  and  it does not  promote  integrity  of
persons or communities.

     A  compulsive  concern  with  objectivity  does   not
promote dialogue;  it leads to personal interactions which
diminish  further dialogue because such a  concern through
depersonalization  generates  fear,   frustration,  anger,
rebellion,  resentment,  violent,  misunderstanding,  etc.
Objectivity  is an instrumental value which does not merit
ultimate  respect.     Opportunities  for  and motivations
toward  dialogue  should  not  be  sacrificed  to  promote
objectivity.  Love  does  not  always promote objectivity.
Love sometimes sacrifices  objectivity  in the interest of
promoting open and honest dialogue.

                                                                                                                               
                         (c) 2005 by Paul A. Smith in      
                    (On Being Yourself, Whole and Healthy)  
                                                                                                                               
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