NOTES ON THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

A first reaction to the Master Conceptual Framework above may be that it's long and complex. Should this be the case, keep in mind that the Framework:

• Is far shorter than a comparable listing of major concepts of the "core" disciplines
• Is composed only of familiar concepts
• Uses our culture's "standard" organizing categories
• Is free of jargon
• Is already in use, even by small children
• Is universal. It can be used to study any reality
• The student builds the Framework over time, as understanding grows

The Conceptual Framework could be called a static model of reality—a guide that will yield a "snapshot" of things as they are at a particular moment in time. Once the elements of the Conceptual Framework are fixed in mind, however, it can then be used to study the dynamics of change. This involves tracing the systemic interactions between the various identified parts of reality.

Perhaps the greatest value of the Conceptual Framework is that it facilitates the growth of individual and collective knowledge by identifying those elements of reality which are potentially relatable. This function is so important it deserves elaboration and illustration.