Purpose of MOL

[From Rick Marken (980112.0940)]

Bill Powers (980112.0517 mst) --

Also, I think some time has to be taken at the beginning to
explain your purpose in carrying on these conversations, and
what the person cooperating with you can expect to encounter.

I agree.

Let me try to outline some of the main ideas that I think need to
be understood -- your suggestions, and any that others want to
contribute, are welcome.

OK.

1. My name is _________. I'm part of a project for investigating a
new way of helping people to understand themselves, called the
Method of Levels. Right now this method is experimental. It has
no particular goal, except to see where it leads.

I would leave out the last sentence; I don't think it really helps
to say this since you've already implied that this method _does_
have a goal, viz., a better understanding of oneself. I personally
think (and hope) that the MOL can eventually be developed into a
tool that can help people solve their own psychological problems.
Isn't this one reason for doing these experiments with the MOL --
to see, not only how to help the explorer do the exploration but,
also, to see if the explorer feels any better after the process?
The MOL is supposed to be a possible clinical tool, no? I think we
do have to be careful to avoid suggesting that participation in MOL
is guaranteed to solve the explorer's personal problems -- but I
don't think it makes sense to invite someone to participate in
a process (MOL) that has no point.

I think that the rest of the points in your outline are very good.

Best

Rick

···

--
Richard S. Marken Phone or Fax: 310 474-0313
Life Learning Associates e-mail: rmarken@earthlink.net
http://home.earthlink.net/~rmarken

[From Bill Powers (980112.1304 MST)]

Rick Marken (980112.0940)--

I would leave out the last sentence; I don't think it really helps
to say this since you've already implied that this method _does_
have a goal, viz., a better understanding of oneself.

Yes, of course. Bad wording. I wanted to get the idea across that the guide
is not trying to direct the explorer toward any subject or any particular
conclusions. What happens, happens.

Best,

Bill P.