Originally published at: https://integrallife.com/iam-spotlight-the-cultural-complexity-index/
Brendan Graham Dempsey introduces the Cultural Complexity Index (CCI), a groundbreaking initiative that empirically measures cognitive complexity in historical texts, revealing patterns in human meaning-making across time. By analyzing symbolic representation rather than collective belief systems, the CCI provides fresh insights into cultural evolution while distinguishing individual cognitive development from broader social dynamics.
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I enjoyed the fascinating presentation and discussion of this important topic. Well done IAM team.
Two questions:
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Brendan Graham Dempsey explained that the CCI instrument uses the Lectical Scale. My impression was that it is entirely dependent on that method. Where can we find information on this scale, how it was developed, and the empirical research behind it?
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This first stage of the CCI initiative involves model validation as I understand it, starting with the analysis of important texts from the earliest wisdom traditions. The Gilgamesh Epic was given as an example. Hence, the analysis requires a careful study of language. Brendan explained that discernment is needed between what the original author(s) may have meant and the meaning projected onto the text by later translators, each from their worldviews and cultures. In this connection, I am curious how the methodology of Lectical analysis works for documents written in pictographs, like Chinese characters.
P.S. I have noted that applied research by integral theorists often seems limited to sources from ‘the West’ (including Greece and the Middle East) and may therefore miss out on important perspectives from other cultures, including those in ‘the East’ and ‘the South.’ Wilber’s own work is, of course, more comprehensive in that regard.
Looking forward to learning more about this work from Brendan, @corey-devos and @Robb_Smith.
Wouter Lincklaen Arriëns
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