The civilisation elements that are consciously accessible or unconsciously operative for an individual at a particular moment and through which that individual interprets and evaluates the world, forms goals and directs conduct, insofar as these elements can in principle be made empirically ascertainable and measurable for the application of the theory.
- Explanation. Within this theory, accessibility does not mean exclusively that an individual can consciously name or report a civilisation element. Unconsciously operative civilisation elements may also be included in consciousness in this technical sense, insofar as they can be reconstructed empirically from statements, choices, judgements, conduct, responses or other observable indicators. A presumed civilisation element that cannot in principle be made empirically ascertainable or measurable cannot perform a descriptive or explanatory function within this theory.
Last updated: 3 October 2026