This is http://www.essayz.com/a8908011.htm Previous-Essay <== This-Essay ==> Following-Essay Click HERE on this line to find essays via Your-Key-Words. {Most frequent wordstarts of each essay will be put here.} ========================================================== %THEORY REFLEXIVE OBJECTIVE EXPERIENCE INCLUSIVE 890801 An adequate theory of reflexive phenomena must be more inclusive than traditional theories of objective phenomena. Traditional theories of objective phenomena on principle exclude reflexive phenomena from consideration. According to the objective paradigm's values and ideals reflexive considerations are neither appropriate as objects of study, nor as grounds for supporting particular theories of objective phenomena. Only objective considerations are regarded as important enough to merit the time, energy, money, creativity, etc. required to give them proper attention. It is considered improper to give such attention to reflexive considerations. An adequate theory of reflexive phenomena must be tested and accepted/rejected on the basis of how adequately it describes in some integrative way the reflexive phenomena which are the focus of its attention. To merit respect such a theory must transcend purely self-serving considerations. It must not exclude from consideration experiences which would show the theory to lack integrity, if those considerations were taken seriously. It must not beg questions regarding the integrity of the theory. The theory must not be part of a collusive game of mutual self deception which can be seen clearly by non-participants but which is invisible to participants. The theory must not be based upon purely circular logic which is divorced from authentic human experiences within reflexive relationships. The theory must not be devised to explain only a very carefully selected subset of human experiences. To merit respect, an adequate theory of reflexive interactions and personal relationships must include integrative considerations of the way in which those who propose and validate the theory are regarded by those who criticize/reject the theory. The theory must itself be reflexive, reflecting with integrity back upon itself, its creators, its validation and its critics. An adequate theory of reflexive interactions and relationships can not be validated purely in terms of objective interactions and relationships. It must be tested in terms of the kinds of relationships to which it purports to speak, and stand or fall on how well it helps people integrate those relationships into their personal and communal lives. An adequate theory of reflexive relationships will speak meaningfully to the process of creating, testing, accepting, and rejecting theories of objective relationships. To merit respect an adequate theory of reflexive relationships must include consideration of the values, ideals, principles, exclusivities, priorities, collusions, addictions, dependencies, etc. which are characteristic of objective theories, their creators, validation, respecters and rejecters. If a theory of reflexive relationships seeks to exclude any human experience from consideration it must do so openly, honestly and with integrity which is evident to critics. Theories of objective relationships do not speak t the considerations which must be central to an adequate theory of reflexive relationships. They make no claim to do so, and can fulfill missions without speaking to such considerations. An adequate theory of reflexive relationships must speak to the conflicts which are bound to exist among its supporters and its critics. Human conflicts are among the reflexive relationships which such a theory should help clarify, and perhaps help resolve. The theory would lack integrity if it failed to speak to and clarify conflicts relating to the theory itself. (c) 2005 by Paul A. Smith in (On Being Yourself, Whole and Healthy) ==========================================================