Exo Studies Overview: The Dance of Integral Theory and UFOs

Dec 9, 2019 | Updates

by Sean Esbjörn-Hargens PhD

This 45 min overview of exo studies is part of a series of integral perspectives on UFOs/ETs.

In fact, my 45 min talk is the first half of Part 1 which also includes Layman Pascal’s presentation. So, click on the link below to see Layman’s contribution as well. As the other presentations in the series become available, I’ll add them to the list below:

    • Integral Ufology Part 1: Sean Esbjörn-Hargens & Layman Pascal (1:21:47)
    • Integral Ufology Part 2: Chris Dierkes (55:25)
    • Integral Ufology Part 3: Stuart Davis (30:46)
    • Integral Ufology Part 4: Tom Clearwater (1:20:42)
    • Integral Ufology Part 5: Giorgio Piacenza (1:02:24)
    • Integral Ufology Part 6: Panel Discussion (2:22:46)

For a link to the whole playlist on YouTube click here

This “Integral UFOlogy” series was organized by Bruce Alderman at Integral Stage. I want to really acknowledge Bruce for breaking new ground in the integral community by spearheading this series of talks. Integral Theory has so much to bring to the exploration of UFOs/ETs and in turn this topic can also push Integral Theory into new domains of epistemological, methodological, and ontological consideration. At the end of my talk I outline some of the mutual benefits of Integral Theory and Exo Studies (i.e., the metadisciplinary study of UFOs/ETs and the paranormal in general) dancing with each other. Here are some of the reasons I highlight:

What Does Integral Theory bring to Exo Studies

    • The Four Quadrants of Integral Theory account for the major schools of UFO theories and their emphasis on nuts & bolts (UR), Earth energies (LR), consciousness (UL), and psychosocial dynamics (LL)
    • An integrative approach to mind-matter-meaning
    • A complex understanding of transpersonal realities: consciousness, the paranormal, and subtle energies
    • The full spectrum of Gross/Subtle/Causal realities
    • An understanding of enactment and what I call integral pluralism (i.e., integral epistemological pluralism, integral methodological pluralism, and integral ontological pluralism)
    • Broad empiricism and its view of the three strands of valid knowledge
    • A post-positivist view of subjects and objects
    • An understanding of shadow dynamics and cultural taboos
    • An understanding of the evolutionary dynamics and morphic grooves which could help us understand such realities on other planets
    • An understanding of worldviews and the pre/trans fallacy and the potential links between levels of development and interpretations/enactments of UFO phenomena
    • Kosmos with a K
    • A framework for the integration of science & spirituality/religion
    • A more sophisticated approach to comparing similar transpersonal phenomenon (e.g., Fairy lore and UFO abduction lore)

What does Exo Studies bring to Integral Theory

    • Expand worldcentric and planetcentric levels of adult development to galacticcentric awareness
    • Cosmos with a C
    • A more sophisticated view of divergent forms of consciousness and sentience that are artificial, artifactual, and non-human
    • A more nuanced view of the relationship between ethnocentric dynamics and technological development – e.g., exploring how ETs can have high tech and still be ethnocentric
    • A more nuanced cartography of the subtle realms and subtle beings and their autonomous status
    • A focus on the development of our subtle senses and a recognition that just as our levels of development open up horizons of enactment – so do our subtle senses enact certain worldspaces
    • A catalyst for the integral/turquoise level of development within individuals and society
    • Includes the evolution and development of the soul more explicitly
    • Further develops and explores the issue of ontology, ontological pluralism, participatory forms of ontology, and multinaturalism etc.
    • ET and ED development and evolution – similar and different than our models
    • An opportunity to do collective shadow work around the taboo of UFOs/ETs and the paranormal
    • The development of galactic posthumanism – through the study of and engagement with a variety of non-human intelligences

So as you can see there are plenty of interesting ways in which Integral Theory and Exo Studies enhance each other through a deep encounter with one another. I am increasingly of the opinion that the application of Integral Theory to the UFO field and its associated phenomena is a natural and needed next step in integral applications.  And as I outline above there many ways that Integral Theory in turns benefits from this engagement becoming more integral in the process.