Watch: Charting the Structure of Emergence – A Critique of Ken Wilber’s 4Q Model of Evolution

In this talk with our monthly Zoom group, developmental philosopher Steve McIntosh examines evolution’s structure of emergence—the sequence of integrated levels that connects each of us to the beginning of the universe. Steve starts by examining humanity’s various attempts to chart this evolutionary structure, including Ken Wilber’s ambitious 4-Quadrant model. After critiquing Wilber’s model, Steve then considers how improving our understanding of evolution’s overall structure-process can help us meet the challenges of our time in history. The presentation concludes with questions from the audience.

Steve McIntosh is a philosopher of noosphere evolution. Influenced by the philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, his work focuses on understanding intrinsic value and furthering the development of human culture. Writing in the emerging field of developmental philosophy, McIntosh has authored four books: Developmental Politics (2020), The Presence of the Infinite (2015), Evolution’s Purpose (2012), and Integral Consciousness and the Future of Evolution (2007). His fifth philosophy book, Truth Emerging, will be published by Orbis Books in September, 2026. Since 2013, McIntosh has served as cofounder and president of the Institute for Developmental Philosophy.

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