Levels of Existence: An Open System Theory of Values

Today, in the minds of many, there is a passionate certitude as to what is wrong with man. He is simply breaking apart at his moral seams.

From every direction fingers point with certainty to the evidence that he is becoming ethically decrepit. From one direction, "the establishments," the finger points at the psychedelic and confrontational behavior of youth, while from youth's direction it points at the callous exploitation of our environment by established businessmen and the older generation's failure to live by the values vocally professed.

Business managers see a breakdown of the work ethic in the "make-work" phenomena and careless practices of their employees but the public points to shoddy engineering and merchandising practices of the employers as evidence of value sickness in the businessman's behavior.

Dissenters are called immoral because, in the name of "Civil rights," they have frightened many of their fellow citizens. Yet these same dissenters point to the immoral activity of those who use "civil rights" and shield as they carry on vicious and even murderous attacks upon those who are dissenting. These and countless other value problems are cited as the signs of rampant immorality and unethical behavior in our people, our country and our world.

The Evolution of Human Values

Graves' theory proposes that human values evolve through a series of developmental stages, each representing a specific way of adapting to life conditions. Rather than positing a single, universal set of values, Graves argues that different value systems emerge as humans respond to changing existential problems and environmental conditions.

These levels of existence are not fixed categories but represent dynamic equilibriums between internal neurological capacities and external existential challenges. As life conditions change or as individuals develop new capacities, the potential for movement to new systems of values emerges.

An Open System Perspective

What distinguishes Graves' theory is its "open system" nature. Unlike closed theories that propose a final, ideal end state of development, Graves posits that human development continues to unfold in response to changing life conditions. This perspective acknowledges the potential for the emergence of entirely new systems of values as humanity faces unprecedented challenges.

This open-ended view of development has profound implications. It suggests that what appears as moral relativism may actually reflect different adaptive responses to varying life conditions. Rather than judging value systems as inherently superior or inferior, Graves' approach considers their appropriateness to specific contexts and challenges.

Practical Applications

Graves' theory offers a framework for understanding value conflicts in organizations, societies, and between generations. By recognizing that people operate from different levels of existence, we can develop more effective approaches to leadership, education, organizational design, and conflict resolution.

For leaders and change agents, this perspective suggests the importance of creating conditions that support the emergence of value systems appropriate to current challenges. Rather than imposing predetermined values, effective leadership involves understanding the developmental dynamics at play and facilitating the emergence of values that enable adaptive responses to contemporary problems.

Beyond Moral Absolutism and Relativism

The open system theory of values offers a way beyond the impasse between moral absolutism and moral relativism. It acknowledges the contextual nature of value systems while recognizing that some approaches may be more functionally adequate for addressing complex challenges than others.

In a world facing unprecedented global challenges, Graves' perspective invites us to consider what new value systems might be emerging that could help humanity navigate these complexities with greater wisdom and effectiveness.