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The Enneagram types have been described as both a map and a theory. IMO, which you see it as makes a big difference as to how you approach and use it. Here's how I think about it.
A map is used to help navigate and explore the territory that you're becoming familiar with. There's nothing to be proven. It just offers a starting point for your journey. The more accurate the map, the more useful it is. It doesn't show all of reality, just what's been abstracted out and deemed most important by the map maker.
A theory is a hypothesis or approximation about how something works. It tries to explain or organize reality to fit some imagined conception of it. There are competing theories that offer different explanations for the same reality. People debate as to which conceptualization is a better fit. Theories are to be proven valid or invalid by supporting evidence.
I used the Enneagram as a map to explore what's underneath personality. After having spent a lot of time doing that, I've found the map isn't always accurate. I started out making adjustments to the map as needed, but as I became more and more familiar with the territory I just began creating my own map that incorporated the Enneagram map but went beyond its inaccuracies and limitations.
I don't see the Enneagram as a theory to debate. That feels like spinning around going nowhere. I'm more interested in the journey and exploration rather than some mental conceptualization that just keeps me going in circles.
How do you see it? Map or theory? And why?
A map is used to help navigate and explore the territory that you're becoming familiar with. There's nothing to be proven. It just offers a starting point for your journey. The more accurate the map, the more useful it is. It doesn't show all of reality, just what's been abstracted out and deemed most important by the map maker.
A theory is a hypothesis or approximation about how something works. It tries to explain or organize reality to fit some imagined conception of it. There are competing theories that offer different explanations for the same reality. People debate as to which conceptualization is a better fit. Theories are to be proven valid or invalid by supporting evidence.
I used the Enneagram as a map to explore what's underneath personality. After having spent a lot of time doing that, I've found the map isn't always accurate. I started out making adjustments to the map as needed, but as I became more and more familiar with the territory I just began creating my own map that incorporated the Enneagram map but went beyond its inaccuracies and limitations.
I don't see the Enneagram as a theory to debate. That feels like spinning around going nowhere. I'm more interested in the journey and exploration rather than some mental conceptualization that just keeps me going in circles.
How do you see it? Map or theory? And why?