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The Triangle |
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Mary Swenson
Each geometrical construct we employ offers a specific group of three alternatives by which thoughts, feelings, and actions can be shaped, impacting our beliefs. Just as a pyramid shape allows for the rapid building up due to its broad structural base, this construct allows for a higher thinking process to enact change. Since the dawn of history the shape has symbolized ascension having four triangular planes supported by a square base. By uniting and combining two forms architecturally, innovation is generated. The pyramid can not be higher than the overall circumference of the square base upon which the planes are erected. This is also true with respect to human and cultural development. For the purpose of the ILI construct, the triangle represents the use of depolarization in interpretive activities. It is the culmination of both the subjective and the objective resulting in the blended benefit of the collective perspective. It neutralizes and evaluates what is, to what degree, and what and how it is meaningful. The shape corresponds to the strategic process used to gain an organized plan, to strategically obtain a unique perspective from an ongoing process. The triangle or multi-dimensional manifestation of the pyramid is related to the creative side of thought or right brain operations. Trigonometry or the study of angles and planes concerns itself with the physical properties of triangles and is concerned with the discovery of unknown sides. Triangulation in psychological terms has had a negative connotation therapeutically. It has been construed as interference or a convolution of process in relationships. In research terms it is a method by which investigators can gain consensus, reduce systemic bias and distortion and combine various data sources to access multiple perspectives. The idea of obtaining a third element by identifying two opposing ideas is not new but has a rich history and symbolism. The triangle is considered the most simple and fundamental geometric form. It has been interpreted as a female symbol as representative of the womb or a vessel as well as a masculine symbol reversed as a chevron. Two other common significant associations are as the Holy Trinity and the symbol of fire. Its shape typifies the power of three sides and is indicative of right brain thinking. Right brain operations are noted for their creative and innovative side and are associated with spatial, non-verbal, and multi-dimensional capacities with respect to imagery and feelings. The power of three is universal and is the tripartite nature of the world as Heaven, Earth, and Humankind. Historically three has been the number associated with the soul such as four has been with the body. It has been related to the process of birth, life, and death (beginning, middle and end) and the orientation of X3 psychologists use to evaluate the ability to place time in the past, present, and future spheres of reality. Folklore utilized the number three and historically it has signified fulfillment. It has been used as symbol of humankind encompassing woman, man, and child and the Godhead of three (in one union) of the father, son, and Holy Ghost or sacred trinity. Therefore, credibility and ethics are strong components to this paradigm. Joseph Campbell (1988) writes, “When you are down on the lower levels of a pyramid you will be on either side or the other. But when you get to the top the points all come together and there the eye of God opens.” So this shape is used in our model to denote insight into what is. Kenneth Clark points out that the importance placed upon number symbolism was matched by a strong dedication to geometry and in medieval times was considered an almost divine activity. Everything that is created originates from basic relationships. Consider the compass and the sextant, each of these items utilizes two points or angles by which to fix a position in space. Such as the pyramid structure provides strength due to its triangular shape it was employed by the ancients to symbolize elevation. Architecturally, the pyramid by virtue of its base allows for ascension and the ability to reach higher than what would otherwise be possible. The triangle is the first of the polygons that can be increased to any number of sides and with two together it becomes squared, with many it becomes a circle, symbolizing the unity of all regular polygons. The pyramid is the most evocative of three-dimensional symbols and represents the world axis. Its apex represents the highest point of spiritual attainment with the body of the actual structure symbolizing a layered hierarchy of enlightenment. In the ancient world, the pyramid may have been the site of initiation into mysterious cults that took initiates through the portals of death into realms beyond to return transformed upon their return (Fontana, 1994). Since the 60’s, grounded theory has progressively developed in a way that is consistent with its original conception and is considered to be the most comprehensive of all the qualitative research methods available. Its theoretical underpinnings are a combination of the two opposing forces of pragmatism and symbolic interactionism and are portrayed as a solid problem-solving endeavor concerned with understanding action from the subjective viewpoint. Typically this theoretical method commences by focusing upon one area of study gathering data from a variety of sources such as interviews or field observations. Then the information is analyzed through coding and theoretical sampling. Once data gathering and sorting is accomplished, a working theory or belief is generated with the help of interpretive procedures and other devices. According to Glaser and Straus, (1967) grounded theory is a scientific method concerned with generation, elaboration, and validation of social science to meet the accepted canons of good research offering consistency, reproducibility, and generalizability. This is an inductive approach used to explain phenomena or measure and organize specific content into a coherent fashion. This approach represents symbolically what the pyramid accomplishes which is to build layer by layer, to an existing structure elaborating upon a fixed foundation. Reoccurring themes associated with geometry types in art and architecture related to our leadership training approach include:
Source: Paul Carter, (1998) Dartmouth College Learn more about the symbolism of: The Square - The Circle |
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The Triangle symbolizes the Personal Realm and relates to the Qualitative Research approach. It relates to concepts, integrity, and the nature or quality of all things. The gold triangle represents the wisdom of the ages and the wealth of life. The shape represents humanity and historically, pointing upwards, represents ascension to heaven, fire, and the male principle. In the reversed position, the shape symbolizes grace descending from heaven, water, and the receptive female element (Fontana, 1994). For our purposes, it is related to the psychological component of the subjective personality and its role in problem solving. It is a symbol of observation and conceptual assembly, balancing the opposing poles of reality. Triangulation implies that the location of an unknown point is obtained by using bearings from two known and fixed points. In research, it is a method by which multiple data sources are used to provide increased reliability.