Integral Futures is an approach to futures studies that adapted Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory to futures practice. Integral Theory is not exclu- sively the domain of Wilber, but he is its leading exponent and was central in popularizing the idea. The domain is expanding with new voices and ideas increasingly contributing to the con- versation. A key concept underlying Integral Theory is to include as many perspectives, styles, and methodologies as possible when exploring a topic. 1 There are several excellent overviews of Integral Theory for those new to the topic. But for our purposes here, a brief characterization will suffice. 2 Integral Theory suggests that four irreduc- ible perspectives (subjective, intersubjective, ob- jective, and interobjective) should be consulted when attempting to fully understand any topic or aspect of reality.” 3 These four perspectives are rep- resented in a four-quadrant model. The four perspectives embodied in each quadrant are summarized briefly below: • The upper left Intentional (subjective) is the individual’s interior world, which can only be ac- cessed via interpretation. The concerns are indi- vidual motivation, changes in people’s values, per- ceptions, and goals, and the meaning of life. • The upper right Behavioral (objective) is the individual’s exterior world, in which individual behavior can be observed. The concerns are changes in the ways people act externally; e.g., The Evolution of Integral Futures A Status Update By Terry Collins and Andy Hines Terry Collins is a Houston-based futures consultant who did research for “The Current State of Scenario Development: An Overview of Techniques” (Bishop, Hines, & Collins). He has a BA in philosophy and a MT in futures studies from the University of Houston. E-mail IntegralFutures@aol.com. Andy Hines is lecturer and executive-in-residence at the University of Houston’s Graduate Program in Futures Studies. He co-founded and is currently on the Board of the Association of Professional Futurists, and has co-authored three books: Thinking About the Future: Guidelines for Strategic Foresight (Social Technologies, 2007), 2025: Science and Technology Reshapes US and Global Society (Oak Hill, 1997), and Managing Your Future as an Association (ASAE, 1994). E-mail ahines@uh.edu. Figure 1. Wilber’s Four Quadrant Model Source: Esbjorn-Hargens, 2009, P. 3, available at http://integrallife.com/node/37539 UPPER LEFT I Intentional (subjective) UPPER RIGHT IT Behavioral (objective) WE Cultural (intersubjective) LOWER LEFT ITS Social (interobjective) LOWER RIGHT INTERIOR EXTERIOR INDIVIDUAL COLLECTIVE World Future Review June-July 2010 5