One of my recurring “structures of thought” is the SCALE of values.
The definition of a scale is an incremental series of steps—like a spectrum.
The key to a scale is that each step along the way is not so different from the ones on either side. But as change continually progresses, there is eventually a major shift in values. One end of the spectrum is very different from where you started; often, in fact, the complete opposite or reverse.
My scales are trying to be comprehensive and cover ALL related values, even opposites. So a scale of “truth”, for example, would include lies or falsehoods at the opposite end. These are reverse values but quite clearly related to each other. As with a dichotomy, one defines the other. So “truth” is defined partly as the opposite of “lies” and vice versa, of course.
But not all scales are opposites. You met my “Ladder Of Emotions”, for example. The top and bottom are not really opposites: bliss is not the reverse of despair and numbness. These are qualitatively different steps. But there is still PROGRESS from one level to the next and a person will still pass through all intermediate stages, no matter how fast [I need to expand on that, some day].
Recently, a whole new scale popped into y head, which I think you’ll find interesting. It’s a Scale of Awakening, from dead to divine, and all degrees of consciousness between.