View source for Necessary Prerequisite

[[File:Necessary-prerequisites-building-blocks-education.png|thumb|If the top block is your goal, all the other blocks must be in place first.]]
[[Progress]] happens because every new [[concept]] or [[technology]] is built on the foundation of everything that came before it. This principle is [[universal]], applying to the [[evolution]] of the [[universe]], of [[life]], as well as [[education]], personal growth and [[cultural]] [[evolution]].

One of the primary goals of the [[metaculture]] [[wiki]] is to provide the means for filling in the prerequisite knowledge required to fully understand all of its core [[concepts]]. Everyone comes with different [[educational]] backgrounds, [[religious]] and [[cultural]] [[perspectives]]. [[metaculture]] should [[meet people where they are]], and provide a clear path to the "top of the mountain."

The best way to read this [[wiki]] is to focus on the topics where you have the most questions or interest, watching the videos and following the external links until you understand them, and skim the ones that you are already familiar with to see if any new or interesting [[perspectives]] are presented.

With this goal in mind, the [[metaculture]] [[Belief System|belief system]] has [[something for everyone]].
== In Education ==

In education, you must learn the fundamental concepts for a subject before you can learn the advanced theory. The fundamentals are a [[Necessary Prerequisite]] for understanding the higher-level classes.

== In Societies ==

In order for societies to [[evolve]], there are [[necessary prerequisites]] for each step. If you have ever played the game [[wikipedia:Civilization_(series)|Civilization]] then this point is obvious. You must invent the wheel and tame horses before you can invent the chariots that will let you dominate the ancient era. Writing must be invented before [[mathematics]], which is required for trade and navigation.

[http://well-of-souls.com/civ/images/civ6_tech_tree1.jpg Civ 6 Tech Tree] | [https://well-of-souls.com/civ/images/civ6_civics_tree1.jpg Civ 6 Civics Tree]

== In Moral and Cognitive Development ==

[[File:Kohlberg-Stages-Moral-Development.png|thumb|right]]

The [[wikipedia:Cognitive_development|cognitive developmental]] systems proposed by [[wikipedia:Lawrence_Kohlberg's_stages_of_moral_development|Kohlberg]] and [[wikipedia:Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs|Maslow]] (and [[wikipedia:Piaget's_theory_of_cognitive_development|Piaget]], [[wikipedia:Moral_foundations_theory|Haidt]], [[wikipedia:Integral_theory|Wilber]], and others) exemplify how the concept of [[educational]] [[Progress|progression]] and prerequisite knowledge applies to areas of personal development. If you want to obtain [[enlightenment]] then there are necessary steps you must follow. 

[[metaculture]] seeks to define those steps, with [[science]]. When you know the path ahead, it is easier to find your way to the [[Enlightenment|top of the mountain]]. Understanding the stages of cognitive development accelerates that development.

=== Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development ===

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Kohlberg%27s_stages_of_moral_development Kohlberg's stages of moral development] is an important concept to learn in order to understand how different people perceive [[ethical]] decision making. It comes up in many places on the [[metaculture]] [[wiki]]. It demonstrates how the building blocks of [[ethical]] knowledge and experience lead to a [[March of progress|progressive]] expansion in our definition of [[ethics]].

While the theory is not perfect, it accurately describes [[moral]] reasoning as a progressively learned skill that continues to consider [[In-group|more people]] with more nuance until a fully generalized and inclusive [[Belief System|belief system]] is reached.

In [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11324722-the-righteous-mind Jonathan Haidt's The Righteous Mind], Kohlberg is used as a jumping off point in order to form a broader, more [[universal]] theory of [[moral]] development ([[wikipedia:Moral_foundations_theory|Moral Foundations Theory]]) that is inclusive of non-western cultures and does not rely upon the rationalist assumption that [[moral]] reactions are based on [[reason]], when [[Evidence-Based Best Practices|evidence]] shows that [[reason]] is more often used to justify those reactions after the fact.

Even though Kohlberg's model is not the latest and greatest, it formed the foundation of [[moral]] development theory for decades and accurately demonstrates the process of generalizing and [[Universal|universalizing]] [[ethical]] systems that happens the more you study these things. Recognizing when someone is still on Stage 4 goes a long way to explain why so many people justify immoral acts that are technically [[legal]]. The model also shows us that improvement is made through [[education]], not [[persuasion]], as is the case for most [[ideas]] that are backed by [[Evidence-Based Best Practices|evidence]] but still denied by significant numbers of people, [[evolution]] being a prime example.

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{{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0axVjiTe9Q||center||frame}}

=== Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs ===

[[File:MaslowHierarchy.png|thumb|right]]

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs Maslow's hierarchy of needs] marks a similar path for personal growth, but focused on the satisfaction of our physical and [[emotional]] needs as prerequisites for [[spiritual]] and [[moral]] [[fulfillment]]. Before you can find [[love]] you must first find shelter. Before you can achieve self-actualization, you must have [[love]]. Each stage is a step towards [[enlightenment]] that rests on the foundation of the previous stage.

Critics have pointed out that the order of this progression is not consistently followed [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/philosophy-and-therapy/202401/the-philosophy-of-maslows-hierarchy], but the concept is still important to understand. Basic needs should come first. If you are trying to increase [[happiness]] in a [[society]], a focus on higher [[education]] and the [[arts]] will have less impact than solving [[food]] scarcity if people are starving. [[Mental health]] issues are much easier to solve when you don't live on the street or a single [[paycheck]] away from it.

It's a good way to understand the steps needed to get to [[enlightenment]]. Sure, the order of execution is not absolute, but the relative priorities are. It also demonstrates that you have to [[meet people where they are]], fulfill the needs that are most pressing, and build on that infrastructure to achieve higher-level goals.

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{{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT6BpFhPsfY||center||frame}}

=== Ken Wilbur's Integral Theory ===
[[File:Integral-theory-lines-altitudes-chart.png|thumb|Composite color coded cognitive chart]]
The new age [[philosopher]] [[wikipedia:Ken_Wilber|Ken Wilber's]] [[wikipedia:Integral_theory|Integral Theory]] offers a similar view of the stages of [[spiritual]] development and [[consciousness]] that attempts to create a unified framework for multiple cognitive development models. His writing is less [[scientific]] and incorporates far more conjecture and mysticism than is permissible in an academic work. However, the Structural Stage Theory closely aligns with established theories of [[wikipedia:Cognitive_development|cognitive development]] and can be quite useful for understanding the [[perspectives]] of people at different stages of development.

Wilber also ties it into a [[universal]] [[self-organization]] and [[Complexity|complexification]] process similar to modern theories of [[wikipedia:Universal_Darwinism|Universal Darwinism]]. The [[concept]] of a "[[wikipedia:Holon_(philosophy)|holon]]" which is "simultaneously a whole, as well as a part of a larger whole" is perfectly embodied by the [[fractal]]. While it can sometimes get repetitive and esoteric, and needs to be read with a [[Skepticism|skeptical]] [[mind]], Wilber can help put some of the deepest insights into states of [[consciousness]] provided by [[Buddhism]] within the context of modern [[psychology]] and [[wikipedia:Cognitive_development|cognitive development]] theory. 

The "[[wikipedia:Integral_theory#Four_quadrants|All Quadrants All Levels]]" model depicts the whole [[universe]] in terms of [[March of progress|progressive]] holarchies, including the [[evolution]] of galaxies and planets, living systems, intelligence, and [[culture]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integral_theory#Four_quadrants][https://medium.com/@andrew.field81/making-sense-of-the-abortion-debate-using-the-integral-framework-ebc4c2671654][https://shanefenwick.medium.com/on-ken-wilber-and-integral-theory-bdcc6787acd3] Even though this perfectly describes the nature of [[fractal]] [[self-organization]], where new patterns of behavior emerge when collections of independent elements act in concert, he only occasionally references [[fractals]] in his writing. This is something of a missed opportunity, because [[fractals]] provide the [[mathematical]] basis for how and why holarchies tend to [[self-organize]] everywhere in the [[universe]].

There are many [https://www.integralworld.net/walker1.html issues with Integral Theory and the Integral Movement], including flirtations with [[pseudoscience]], [[grift]], and [[supernatural]] explanations. This has kept the [https://integrallife.com/ Integral movement] from defining [[metaculture]] even though it shares a similar goal.

The progression of cognitive development through the various stages described by [[wikipedia:Piaget's_theory_of_cognitive_development|Piaget]], [[wikipedia:Lawrence_Kohlberg's_stages_of_moral_development|Kohlberg]], [[wikipedia:Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs|Maslow]], [[wikipedia:Loevinger's_stages_of_ego_development|Loevinger]], [[wikipedia:Robert_Kegan|Kegan]], [[wikipedia:Jean_Gebser|Gebser]], and [[wikipedia:James_W._Fowler|Fowler]] that are combined to form Integral theory are better represented by a progressive [[Complexity|complexification]] rather than a linear progression. This reflects the fact that at each sage, additional information, nuance, and a wider [[in-group]] are the key differentiating factors. The [[fractal]] [[wikipedia:Iteration|iteration]] process also better represents the process of "transcending and including" that occurs at each stage.
[[File:Sierpinski-integral-levels-of-consciousness.png|thumb|650x650px|Fractal Cognitive Development Model|none]]This process also mirrors the development of [[religious]] [[belief systems]] throughout human [[history]], from ancient spiritism and [[ritual]] magic, to the mythological, [[Doctrine|doctrinal]], [[rational]], [[wikipedia:Postmodernism|postmodern]], and [[universal]]. This can be viewed as humanity's [[wikipedia:Collective_consciousness|collective consciousness]] coming to greater generalized understanding as our species ages, just like our own [[consciousness]] grows as we become older and wiser--assuming you keep on learning!{{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tbR0sSvDcw||center|Integral Theory - States and Stages|frame}}

== You Don't Need to Be a Know-It-All ==
The [[March of progress|progression]] through the cognitive stages of development relies on gaining enough [[information]] and experience to adopt the new conceptual framework and generalize the previously disparate [[concepts]] into a new, [[holistic]] theory of [[reality]]. 

Put more simply, this means that you don't need to become and expert in [[Neurophysiology|neuroscience]] in order to understand the [[materialistic]] view of [[consciousness]]. You don't have to be an expert in [[theology]] to understand [[pantheism]]. You don't have to be a sociologist to understand the [[universal in-group]]. These [[concepts]] are [[Emergent properties|emergent]] whenever a person acquires enough of the key [[ideas]] that form the foundation for the next level of understanding. 

Once that understanding is obtained, new [[information]] simply becomes more details--like additional iterations of a [[fractal]] pattern being revealed. That which fits in the current paradigm fills out new, [[beautiful]] kaleidoscopes of understanding. [[Information]] that doesn't fit accumulates as exceptions, until the next paradigm shift creates a new [[generating equation]], and a more complex pattern emerges that incorporates those outliers.

== Psychological Off-Ramps for Magical Thinking ==
Using [[metaphor mapping]] allows [[supernatural]], [[pseudoscientific]], and other [[beliefs]] not based on [[reason]] to become connected to a [[science]]-based [[reality]]. This helps validate the [[emotional]] goal and connection to the [[belief]] rather than debunking, which is ineffective at [[persuasion]].

The [[placebo effect]] is particularly useful for this, since most [[ritual]]-based healing techniques rely on the [[placebo effect]] for any efficacy that they do have.

== The Fractal Tree of Knowledge ==
[[File:Temptation-apple-eve-salience-reward-consequence.jpg|thumb|The Fractal Tree of Knowledge has significantly more explanatory power and less [[misogyny]] than the [[traditional]] [[wikipedia:Forbidden_fruit|apple-and-snake]] [[Metaphors|metaphor]].]]
This section describes an example [[Progress|progression]] of reasoning (i.e. [[wikipedia:Syllogism|syllogism]]) employed by [[metaculture]]. Each new step in the [[logic]] chain can an be thought of as an [[iteration]] in the [[fractal]] [[wikipedia:Tree_of_the_knowledge_of_good_and_evil|tree of knowledge]], because each one reveals a geometrically increasing number of corollary conclusions that expand the breadth of our [[ethical]] awareness.

On the [[Kohlberg]] scale, this is the equivalent to going from Stage 4 to Stage 6.

In this progression, we go from a [[fundamentalist]] [[religious]] [[perspective]] to a new [[generating equation]] based on [[universalism]] and the pursuit of [[happiness]] through [[scientific]] evidence. It does this by systematically filling in the gaps in knowledge and reasoning until the desired level of understanding is obtained and a new [[God Concept|pattern of thought]] is adopted. It is [[persuasion]] through targeted [[education]] and apt [[allegory]].

Similar paths can be constructed that start with other [[philosophical]] reference points, such as [[atheism]] or [[Libertarian|libertarianism]]. The eventual goal is to identify the key unique entry points based on the most common [[philosophical]], [[political]], and [[religious]] beliefs, and provide a customized curriculums that localize [[languages]], [[cultural]] references, [[religious]] [[allegories]], and [[Persuasion|rhetorical strategies]] to speak directly to the values and goals of each. This uses the [[wiki]] custom [[language]] function to [[wikipedia:Code-switching|code switch]] the entire [[philosophy]] to use the specific [[wikipedia:Vernacular|vernacular]] of the reader.[[File:Fractal-tree-of-knowledge-iteration-1-literalism-allegory.png|center|frame|Understanding the nature of [[Literalism]] versus [[Allegory]] and how it applies to our interpretation of [[scripture]] is the first building block.]]
[[File:Fractal-tree-of-knowledge-iteration-2-pantheistic-universe-god.png|center|frame|If [[religion]] is an [[allegory]] for something, what is that something? It must be the [[universe]]. And that is why the idea of [[god]] is [[Universalist|universal]].]]
[[File:Fractal-tree-of-knowledge-iteration-3-creation-evolution-big-bang.png|center|frame|If [[god]] is an [[allegory]] for the [[self-organizing]] [[universe]], then the [[Creation Story|creation story]] must be an [[allegory]] for the [[big bang]] and [[evolution]].]]
[[File:Fractal-tree-of-knowledge-iteration-4-brains-ethics-morality.png|center|frame|If [[god]] used [[evolution]] to create our [[brains]] and our [[emotions]], then our [[ethics]] and [[morality]] must have been instilled in us by our survival instincts.]]
[[File:Fractal-tree-of-knowledge-iteration-5-happiness-goal-evolution.png|center|frame|If [[Happiness and well-being|happiness]] is the [[emotion]] we feel when do what our [[brains]] were designed to do (survive), then improving our [[quality of life]] must be the [[Meaning of Life|goal of life]].]]
[[File:Fractal-tree-of-knowledge-iteration-final-evidence-based-best-practices.png|center|frame|Therefore we should [[Evidence-Based Best Practices|use all of the evidence at our disposal]] to create a [[society]] that maximizes [[Happiness|happiness and well-being]] for [[In-group|all people]]. This is represented by multiple [[iterations]] as [[scientific]] [[Evidence-Based Best Practices|evidence]] is gathered, applied, and updated into the [[future]].]]

== Prerequisite for Peace ==

[[metaculture]] is a [[necessary prerequisite]] for a [[In-group|united human future]]. It is the framework that enables [[Culturally neutral|cross-cultural understanding]] of our common goals. Only when all people are able to see all others as members of their [[in-group]] can we be truly unified. This is accomplished by creating a common [[scientific]] framework for understanding [[religious]] [[allegory]] in all forms, allowing members of any [[culture]] to see other [[cultures]] as analogous equals rather than heretics and heathens.

== Why Do Some People Not Get Life? ==
We see so many people spreading [[hate]], anger, and general bad [[karma]] everywhere in modern [[society]]. Those who understand that this negativity is hurting them much more than anyone else sometimes wonder what it is that these people fail to "get" about [[life]]. [[metaculture]] proposes that there are very specific, identifiable [[concepts]] that negative people fail to understand, and that learning these [[concepts]] can transform a person and make them an [[optimistic]] [[realist]], who sees and seeks out the [[beauty]] and [[wonder]] of the [[universe]], while still not losing sight of the real challenges [[life]] imposes.

== The Dunning-Kruger Antiproliferation Movement ==

When it comes to understanding universal subjects like [[politics]] and [[religion]], people with vastly different levels of subject matter expertise are expected to converse as peers. In order to understand ideas like [[universalism]] you must first have an understanding of the basic tenets of the major world [[religions]] and their commonalities. These are things that can be taught, but differences of opinion on these matters are not called out as the disparities in [[education]] that they truly are.

There are entirely too many people on [[social media]] giving opinions about things when they obviously haven't taken the prerequisite courses. They insert themselves into 300 level conversations about topics when they haven't passed the 101 course. Their ignorant opinions are often amplified by others with the same lack of expertise, on the basis that their arguments appeal to [[common sense]] or the values of their [[in-group]]. It has led to the mass-proliferation of [[misinformation]] via the [[wikipedia:Dunning–Kruger_effect|Dunning-Kruger effect]]. [[Newsfeed]] [[promotion]] algorithms must be adjusted to prioritize [[experts]], and [[trust]] in [[institutions]] must be restored so that expertise is not ignored or [[contradicted]].

[[Podcast]] hosts ([[Podcast|but not these!]]) are particularly bad offenders. They have become a dangerous amplifier of [[misinformation]], as their insatiable hunger for content that chases the whims of [[social media]] [[algorithms]] causes them to give uninformed opinions on all kinds of [[scientific]] and [[political]] topics. Many suffer from [https://www.neuroscienceof.com/human-nature-blog/audience-capture-psychology-economics-nickocado-keynes audience capture], where the monetized clicks they get from their most ill-informed videos [[Incentives|incentivizes]] them to lean harder into their worst takes.

Our [[culture]] needs to develop a new [[taboo]] regarding the voicing of opinions on subjects which you have neither experience nor expertise. If you are just shooting your mouth off because you think you have to have an opinion about everything, or parroting something you heard but have no understanding of, then you need to sit down, shut up, and listen to the [[experts]]. 

Is this statement ironic when presented on a [[wiki]] that gives an opinion on nearly everything? Perhaps. But in this case the consistent opinion given is to trust [[science]] and [[expertise]] rather than any particular conclusion drawn, which makes it different.

If you do participate in the conversation, remember to act like a student and not a teacher if you're not qualified to teach on the subject. By having well-understood and [[trusted]] standards for [[education]] and credentialing within all areas of specialization, and [[Taboos|cultural norms]] that reinforce them, we can hopefully get to a place where our [[minds]] are consistently nourished by the finest [[information]] from the most knowledgeable subject matter [[experts]].

== This Is Necessary ==

[[Life]] feeds on [[life]].

{{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmJYZ1NIn1Y||center|Tool - Disgustipated|frame}}