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The Integral University: Holistic development of individuals, communities, organisations and societies

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Abstract

The article describes an approach towards a fully transformed university, coined Integral University. Linking Education (E), Research (R), Activation (A) and Catalysation (C), it can “CARE” for individual, organisation, communal and societal development. Within it, theory and practice, knowledge creation and transformative action go hand in hand. The article illustrates the vital developmental contribution that educational institutions can, and indeed must, make to address the most crucial issues of our time. It starts by introducing the Integral Worlds approach as the ontological and epistemological foundation for an Integral University, and then translates this approach into an evolved understanding of the functions of an Integral University. It concludes with practical current developments, from Zimbabwe to Egypt, from Nigeria to Slovenia, innovative cases that demonstrate its potential: a crucial contribution towards a necessary (r)evolution of today’s university.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. TRANS4M Center for Integral Development, 6 Chemin de Champ de Blé, 1292, Geneva, Switzerland

    Alexander Schieffer & Ronnie Lessem

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  1. Alexander Schieffer
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  2. Ronnie Lessem
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Correspondence to Alexander Schieffer.

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Schieffer, A., Lessem, R. The Integral University: Holistic development of individuals, communities, organisations and societies. Prospects 44, 607–626 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11125-014-9324-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11125-014-9324-z

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